Barnet Council this week approved a £2.1 million expansion to the Menorah Foundation School in Edgware after a lengthy consultation process.

It will enable the primary to increase its capacity over time from the current 280 pupils to 480.

“We’re very grateful to the council for the support they’ve given us,” said governors’ chair Joseph Holder. “The capital coming from Barnet demonstrates the need for and the esteem of the school.” The governors had been motivated by the “lack of school places in the community and in Barnet. We’re responding to that need.

It’s a great opportunity for the school and community at large.”

Although the planning application had been submitted in 2011, “there are so many processes to go though, from consulting neighbours to the council”, Mr Holder explained.

Barnet Council’s cabinet member for education, Andrew Harper, was “absolutely delighted” at the project’s approval. “We need to provide balanced provision across communities, including the Orthodox Jewish community.”
Menorah will take in an extra class for September and building work is expected to be completed in 2014.