A satisfied Immanuel College parent - Lady Elaine Sacks - was among the speakers when the school officially opened its preparatory section.
Lady Sacks recalled that her daughter Gila had received an "excellent education" at Immanuel. "The school imbued in her a strong academic work ethos and love of Yiddishkeit that has stayed with her into adulthood."
The preparatory section opened at the beginning of the month with a reception class of 20. It will add a class each year with an eventual capacity of 140.
Demand for places for next September is already considerably higher than for this year - so much so that the entry process has been brought forward with applications required by October 7.
Immanuel head Philip Skelker said the opening of the preparatory school was "an important milestone.
"Pupils who have only been at the school for a small number of days already feel at home and are experiencing the joy and excitement of learning in an environment which celebrates individual strengths and talents."
To get more from community, click here to sign up for our free community newsletter.