JCoSS, the UK’s first cross-communal Jewish state Secondary School, is oversubscribed with applicants for its first year and has established a waiting list.

Offers have been sent out this morning for 175 places for the main school. A further five places will be offered later, to bring the school’s first intake of Year 7 students to its full capacity of 180, once priority applications from several children with statements of special needs have been assessed. The seven places in the Pears Special Resource Provision will be allocated separately.

The Chair of Governors, Mike Grabiner, says:

“The number of applications has exceeded all our expectations and we are extremely pleased. If JCoSS can attract so many students before it has even opened, imagine how popular it will be when it has a full complement of staff, a brand new building with stunning facilities to show off, and a track record of success.

“This shows that there is very significant demand for an academically excellent, inclusive, cross-communal school like JCoSS, which can only grow as we establish ourselves.”

Headteacher, Jeremy Stowe-Lindner, adds:

“I am thrilled that my excitement and passion for high-achieving cross-communal Jewish schooling is shared by so many in our community.

“For those on our waiting list, who would still like to come to JCoSS or – having received an alternative offer, would now like to be considered for a place at JCoSS – all is not lost.

“Typically, there is further movement between schools over the next few months, especially to the private sector, so it is still worth joining our waiting list and I hope that we will be able to accommodate many of those who want a place.”