A strictly Orthodox girls' school in Hendon has told pupils that they should not drive in.

The independent Beth Jacob Grammar has issued a reminder of an existing rule, which applies only to "a few girls" as the school has only one sixth-form year.

A number of reasons, including safety, were behind the policy, a spokesperson explained. The school did not want younger girls to be in cars with inexperienced drivers.

In addition, as sixth-formers took A-levels in one year and had to fit in Jewish studies and other activities, the school "doesn't want them to be preoccupied with other things".

Other issues included parking - "we have terrible parking problems and have to had buy permits for our own staff".