Instead of an annual dinner, North West London Jewish Day School committed to raise £750,000 from a fund-matching drive in 36 hours. With a bonus round extending the fundraising period, the total has reached £850,000.

The school campus was the fundraising hub, where parents, teachers and other supporters camped out for the duration.

Governors' vice-chair Sara Elias was "completely in awe of all the people who participated and of how our whole NWLJDS family pulled together.

"This was a team effort and I have to thank Rabbi Ronen Broder, who was instrumental in getting this off the ground and who worked so hard throughout, [school head] Judith Caplan, whose constant dedication to the school and our children never fails to amaze me, and Ashley Donoff, who worked incredibly hard behind the scenes."