Beis Yaakov Primary School in the London Borough of Barnet is
celebrating the publication of its excellent Ofsted and
Pikuach reports, following the recent successful inspections.
The school has grown to over 400 girls from the kehillos
of northwest London.
The limudei kodesh inspection was undertaken by
chinuch experts Rabbi Meir Roberg and Rev Michael
Binstock of Pikuach, the organization that inspects Jewish
schools. The reports reflect the outstanding achievements of
the school and the significant accomplishments of the
menahel, Headteacher and staff.
"Beis Yaakov is the only girls' primary school in our area
that has all its educational provision and standards
scrutinized by external kodesh and chol
inspectors," said Menahel Mr. David Jacobson. "The
importance of this for parents is that the education their
girls receive is measured against accepted standards. We are
proud to have surpassed these standards."
During the week-long inspection, all aspects of the school
were thoroughly investigated, including standards in
limudei kodesh and National Curriculum subjects, the
quality of teaching, attitudes to learning, and the school's
leadership and management.
The Pikuach inspectors praised the school where "the
kodesh teachers are highly dedicated and motivated and
are a major strength of the school."
The Ofsted inspector judged standards to be particularly good
in English, maths, science, physical education and music. The
inspector stated: "Standards in English are above average,
and in mathematics they are well above and in the top 5
percent of schools nationally." It was further noted that the
school had set "challenging targets" and that "pupils were on
course to achieve these targets."
All inspectors reported pupils to have very positive
attitudes to school, and behavior was judged to be good
throughout the age range. It was reported that "all staff
display a deep concern for pupils and their caring, positive
attitudes are well reflected in the good progress that pupils
make during their life and the school and the confidence with
which they learn. They thrive in the positive climate of
learning."
Although devoting only half of its time to chol
subjects, the school has nevertheless surpassed national
standards achieving straight As in all subjects. The quality
of teaching was particularly praised . The inspectors
concluded that "the drive for high levels of achievement and
attainment is an important part of every lesson -- and
learning remains fun."
The leadership and management of the school by the Chair of
Governors Mr. Andrew Cohen, the Menahel Mr. David Jacobson,
and the Headteacher Mrs. Caroline Scharfer, was commended for
its strong partnership and clarity of vision for the future
development of the school.
Headteacher Mrs. Caroline Scharfer said: "I am thrilled with
the report, which contained no educational issues for us. I
am especially pleased that the quality of our teaching and
learning was highly commended, and that -- in the inspector's
opinion -- we have a very successful school."
Chair of Governors Andrew Cohen said: "We are absolutely
delighted with these reports and with the inspector's
positive opinion on all aspects of the school. The school was
founded 30 years ago and has grown meichayil el choyil
producing a stream of girls educated to the highest standards
of Torah and yiras Shomayim. Parents and Governors
appreciate the hard work that the menahel, headteacher
and all the staff have contributed in recent years and their
ongoing commitment to the school. We are all proud to be
associated with the success of the school."
