The Lubavitch Senior Girls' School in Hackney has received voluntary aided status, which will take effect from the beginning of the January term.

The principal, Rabbi Shmuel Lew, said aided status was "a tribute to our dedicated and competent staff, so capably led by Helen Freeman and Golda Junik - and to our precious pupils, whom Ofsted rated as 'outstanding' in their moral and spiritual values."

Mrs Freeman said that "after receiving my education in Hackney, I am thrilled at the opportunity to give back to the borough".

Lubavitch's Junior Boys' School is also seeking aided status.

As previously reported, the Lubavitch movement sees state aid for the two schools as crucial to improving its financial position. Its girls' primary has been voluntary aided since 2004.

Lubavitch movement sees state aid for the schools as crucial