The plan will bring the two sections together on the Page Street, Mill Hill, site of the girls’ school, which will be expanded and redeveloped. Girls and boys will continue to be taught separately.
At present, the boys’ school is in Holders Hill Road, Hendon in premises first occupied in 1947. Originally intended for 350 pupils, it now accommodates 600. The buildings are in poor condition and there is no room for expansion. The girls’ premises also require modernisation and both lack adequate provision for sport and outdoor play.
The split school additionally causes staffing problems and creates dropping-off and collection difficulties for parents with children on both sites.
An enlarged Hasmonean will also ease the pressure on secondary school places in London, allowing the school to increase its combined capacity from around 1,100 to 1,400.
Andrew McClusky, Hasmonean’s executive head, was “absolutely delighted” at the committee’s decision. It was essential for the school to expand and have new premises, he said.
“I am grateful to council committee members for appreciating the level of that need," Mr McClusky added.
