A fourth London Jewish primary school is to join the new Jewish Community Academy Trust, an educational consortium launched with support from the United Synagogue.

Rimon free school in Golders Green will become a member of the network along with Wolfson Hillel in Southgate, Moriah in Pinner and Sacks Morasha in Finchley. JCAT is expected to become fully operational early next year.

Brian Doctor, Rimon’s chairman of governors, said belonging to JCAT would “unquestionably enhance Rimon’s financial position”. 

He added there was “clear evidence that MATs assist a school’s ability to procure better services at a lower cost, allowing us to channel our savings into improved educational facilities for the people who deserve them most — our children and staff.”

Rimon headteacher Sara Keen said “we will deliver better educational outcomes and staff support than by operating in isolation”.

Kirsten Jowett, headteacher of Wolfson Hillel, is now acting chief executive of JCAT, combining three days a week in her new role with leadership of her US school.

Multi-academy trusts have been encouraged by the government, enabling schools to run their affairs independently of local authorities. They can pool resources such as using joint administrative staff, for example, or sharing teacher training. 

With pressures likely to remain on school budgets, small schools in particular might struggle to maintain facilities on their own but benefit from being part of a broader network.