We reported a few weeks ago that the governors of Hasmonean High School in London were considering resurrecting a 50-year plan to move its boys' division in Hendon alongside the girls in Mill Hill. That has now moved forward with an invitation to parents to view an exhibition this month showing what the proposed relocation would look like.
The boys' premises have long been outdated and squeezed for space. A move to Mill Hill would allow better facilities and be more cost-effective - for example, having a single kitchen.
No doubt, a conservative religious eyebrow or two will rise at the thought of bringing the boys closer to the girls. But you can be sure that nothing would go ahead without the say-so of Hasmonean's elector- rabbis.
Perhaps most importantly, the plan would enable Hasmonean to increase its pupil intake. And with so much talk about the pressure on Jewish secondary school places in north-west London, the question is what impact might the Mill Hill redevelopment project have on the wider Jewish educational map?
As we have also reported, two groups are exploring the idea of opening a new Jewish secondary free school in Barnet in September 2018, the Kedem High School and the Modern Orthodox Secondary School, now named Barkai College. This is on the back of an anticipated increase in demand for secondary school places in two years.
It could take the wind out of the sails of the free school projects
But if, after half a century, Hasmonean finally presses ahead with its plan, that could take the wind out of the sails of the free school projects.
Hasmonean will certainly need to raise cash for a new boys' building since it is unlikely to reap enough to do that simply from the sale of its Hendon premises.
In theory, if one of the free school applicants is successful, that should come with a cheque from the government to buy a building. But it too may have to go cap in hand to the Jewish community to get started - for example, equipping a Jewish studies department.
Whether there are enough sponsors around to support both a Hasmonean expansion and a new Jewish free school is a moot point. In the competition for communal cash, Hasmonean as an existing institution will claim to have first call on funds.
In a few weeks, we should have some projections of future demand for Jewish secondary schools in London when the Partnerships for Jewish Schools (Pajes) has crunched all its numbers.
Such forecasts are not an exact science, but they could have a bearing on the viability of any new school plans.
