The chairmen of governors of schools under the Chief Rabbi's umbrella are to explore the possibility of grouping more closely at a meeting at JFS this month.

As more schools become academies and opt out of local authority control, the government is encouraging the creation of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) for schools to share administration and other resources.

JFS itself is understood to be looking into the idea of setting up a MAT which could include United Synagogue and other Orthodox schools.

David Collins, director of the US young people's division, said "we are, in partnership with many stakeholders and partner organisations, exploring the opportunities that MATs may offer".

A JFS spokesman said "US schools regularly meet… to discuss shared strategic issues, just one of which is the question of Multi-Academy Trusts and the ongoing government agenda".

One Orthodox school, Yavneh College, has already formed a MAT, which covers its new primary school.