JCOSS/Barnet

There is a difference - JCOSS is actively welcoming of all religious varieties whereas JFS merely tolerates them.

JCOSS is much smaller and more personal - better for quieter children who might slightlky disappear in a big place like JFS.

JFS good for v high achievers or v social kids. Reasonable range of kids from becks to intellectuals with everything in between at both schools. Kids I know at both all happy - JCOSS parents all raving how great it is.

Sorry, I don't know. I've never visited JCOSS and I last saw JFS 4 years ago.

But is there much of a difference between JFS and JCOSS? I would expected more of a mix at JCOSS, but maybe not now that the admission rules have changed and JFS not so strict to get into.

Plenty of becks at the other two, agreed, but maybe more of a wider mix at the others?

I wouldn't say that Yavneh is any more becky than either of the other two schools. I've seen all sorts at all of the schools.

frankie - yes, I've heard that too.

I know a couple of parents with kids there who are very happy with it. It has a specialist support framework and funding for an autistic unit so the pastoral and SEN provision comes high on their priorities.

Thanks breadandbutterfly - how about JFS if you are not in the top stream? I've heard school is so big they can almost get lost in the crowd.

Yavneh is more religious and very becky.

I hated the head there when we visited - apparently they lock naughty children in solitary confinement for a day if they do something wrong - basically they are imprisoned. Only school we visted I really hated. Although I know some people with kids there who like it. Clearly it's a bit marmite.

JFS - fantastic for the top stream apparently. Obviously a wide range of kids as so big.

Interlopingdad. - that all sounds great. Does your dc have a long journey to school, as that is something I am worried about. And how do you think the school compares to jfs and yavneh in terms of the sort of families that go there?

Interlopingdad, thank you for that. JCOSS is one of the schools we will be considering for DS1 and it is lovely to hear such positive reports from a current parent.

Ok

I have a child in year 8 and a second one joining in September. We are extremely happy with the school. My eldest is at the upper end of the ability range and is being challenged to perform at very high levels. The standard of teaching seems high but they do not over burden children with "home learning" which we used to call homework! The school claims that children of all abilities are making outstanding progress.

The ethos of the school is to nurture kind and considerate young people and they seem to do that effectively, setting very clear expectations. Behaviour seems generally to be good and I like the JcoSS kids who I have met. Relationships between staff and pupils are excellent.

Don't forget it is a Jewish school so there are four hours a week of Jewish Studies and three of Ivrit (modern Hebrew) which is optional from year nine. there is a longer teaching day to accommodate this. Teaching of these subjects was a bit uneven but seems to have settled down. However, they don't overdo the religious aspect giving children a choice.

Sadly the head is leaving to move closer to his wife's family in Australia. He is dynamic with a very clear vision. The new head has not yet been selected - I think they are interviewing next week. But the governors are experienced and know what they are looking for so hopefully they will make a good appointment.

The school had its OFSTED inspection this week. Don't know the outcome yet but that report will be available in a few weeks.

Hope this helps

Bump, I would also like to find out more about this school.

Everyone I know who goes there loves it. beware that head is leaving - don't know who new head is but old one was very popular, so worth checking out.

I have only heard positive things too.

My kids don't go there but we know several who do. All seem to like the school. Haven't heard anything negative about the school.