Yavneh College in Borehamwood has written to parents of Immanuel College – which today announced its impending closure in August – to offer its help in accommodating students looking for a new school.
The state-aided Orthodox school – which is the nearest Jewish school to Immanuel – said it would do what it could to make places available.
The Jewish schools network, PaJeS, is liaising with Jewish secondary schools over the possibility to rehouse Immanuel students.
Yavneh’s executive headteacher Spencer Lewis said, “While we are very sad at the news that Immanuel College will be closing, acknowledging continued pressure on Jewish secondary school places, we are happy to welcome Immanuel parents and pupils to a specially arranged open evening next week to discuss how we might accommodate as many extra pupils as possible.”
In all year groups including in year 7 for September 2026, he said “we will endeavour to provide spaces for any pupils who meet our CRP requirements”.
Heartbreaking news for the entire Jewish community
The closure of the private college was “heartbreaking news for the entire Jewish community”, said Rabbi David Meyer, chief executive of PaJeS. “For decades, Immanuel College has been far more than a school — it has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in the UK, nurturing generations of students and producing alumni who have gone on to make outstanding contributions across every walk of life.”
Its loss would “be felt profoundly not just by current families, but across the wider Jewish community for years to come”.
Jewish schools were “now facing an extremely difficult situation: increased demand from families seeking safe, supportive environments during a period of rising antisemitism, at the same time as severe financial pressures,” he said.
“The imposition of VAT on independent school fees, compounded by changes to business rates relief, has created an extraordinarily challenging environment for faith schools in the independent sector — and it is these pressures that have precipitated this closure.
“The loss of Immanuel College will put additional strain on an already overstretched state sector at precisely the moment when more Jewish families need access to Jewish education.”
PaJeS, he said, was “actively working and liaising with secondary schools across the Jewish community to help ensure that all affected students are able to secure appropriate educational placements. We are committed to supporting families through this transition and will continue to do everything we can to assist.”
But he warned that “Worryingly, Immanuel College is not the only independent Jewish school facing the threat of closure. PaJeS will continue to make the case to government that the cumulative impact of VAT on fees and business rates is having a disproportionate and deeply damaging effect on Jewish schools.”
Most Charedi children are educated in independent schools.
PaJeS had worked closely with Immanuel head Dan Endlar and chair of governors Daniel Levy, “who have shown enormous dedication and have spared no effort to fight for this school’s future”, Rabbi Meyer said.
JFS chairman Mark Hurst commented, “Our thoughts go out to all students, staff and families connected with the school at this uncertain and stressful time. We, along with the rest of the community's schools, are in touch with Immanuel College to provide support where possible.”
JFS is understood to be full at the moment, although a few places may open up over the summer as a result of student relocation.
To get more from community, click here to sign up for our free community newsletter.