Governors of Immanuel College have today confirmed their approval of a £13 million rescue plan to ensure that the modern Orthodox private school in Bushey will continue.
Due diligence checks were carried out over the past week since the rescue package was dramatically announced last Friday – just ten days after parents had been told it would close at the end of term.
London-based education entrepeneur Aaron Etingen, head of Global University Systems, which runs 30 higher education institutions across the world, is to step in as chairman of governors to oversee the restoration of the college.
The JC understands that the new leaders are proposing to offer a £5,000 discount on fees next year and freeze them at this year’s level of £29,700 the following year. Parents who put down deposits at other schools but now choose to keep their children at Immanuel will have these refunded, it is understood.
Leaders of the parents group behind the campaign to save their children’s school said today’s confirmation marked “a moment of immense relief and pride for our entire community following the incredible news that Immanuel College will remain open”.
In a statement, Annabel and Lee Sheldon, Claudia and Robby Salem, and Davinia and Jeremy Teacher said: “Immanuel College is far more than a school. It is a place where children grow in confidence, form lifelong friendships and feel a true sense of belonging and importantly where a strong Jewish identity is built, alongside a deep love for Israel”.
They added: “We were determined to do everything we could to protect that.”
They thanked current chairman Daniel Levy and governors for their “open, collaborative approach” and “dedication to the school over many years”.
Helping to save Immanuel: Aaron Etingen[Missing Credit]
Thanking the donors who had created a “miracle”, they said they were “truly proud of the exceptional incoming team led by Aaron Etingen and feel so much optimism and confidence in the direction ahead. Their leadership brings renewed belief and momentum for everything Immanuel College can be.”
Declaring “the beginning of a powerful new chapter” for the school, they saluted the college’s teachers for their “extraordinary” care of the children during the uncertain days following the closure announcement.
“We are so excited for the wonderful times that lie ahead for Immanuel College,” they said.
The current governors said they had voted today in favour of progressing with the new plan. “This is a significant and positive step, achieved at pace through the collective efforts of many across the Immanuel community.”
They told parents they looked forward “with confidence to a strong and successful future for Immanuel College and your children” and were pleased that this Shabbat “marks the beginning of that next exciting new chapter”.
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