JCoSS, the cross-communal secondary school, has introduced a new set of entry criteria for autumn 2021 as synagogue attendance is currently ruled out because of coronavirus.

Like other Jewish schools, JCoSS offers priority to applicants who meet a Jewish practice test which includes a certain number of visits to a synagogue service during the year.

Among four options now being offered to families is attendance at a new “virtual cheder” which the school will be running in summer and autumn.

Children who attend four out of six of the digital classes will meet the practice requirement.

Alternatively, children who go Jewish primary school or who have attended a cheder four times in the 12 months before application or whose parents can provide evidence of volunteering four times during the year for a Jewish organisation will pass muster.

Taking part in a digital synagogue service will also a way to meet the test – for entry this autumn, a minimum of four synagogue services in the six months before application was required.

Finally, anyone whose brother or sister applied to JCoSS within the past four years will not be required to produce fresh evidence of Jewish practice.

Headteacher Patrick Moriarty said the criteria would be used only for 2021 entry because of the special circumstances.

“We have considered all Jewish families and their circumstances and feel we have been fair to everyone,” he said.  “There are four different ways to meet the new criteria, including our pioneering cheder course which we are proud to launch during these unprecedented times.”