We are Jewish and i always thought we would send our child to the local jewish school. However when we saw the local jewish school, it just didnt feel right for out child despite having steller academic results. We do have 2 other jewish schools, one also in Muswell Hill (which we would definitely get into) and another by lottery. Havent seen them yet but not sure how suitable based on website. They are religiously aligned (we belong to a reform jewish synagogue and go weekly to services). But to me schools are about more than religion and i am willing to supplement with hebrew school (which i might have to do anyway because i am not sure how much hebrew progressive jewish schools teach). The local one had an 'integrated' approach so didnt have jewish studies lessons, they would learn about jewish writers in english class and jewish values like tikkun olam (repair the world) when learning about climate change for example.
However having no choice but to supplement with hebrew school may make weekends more busy as i am also sending my child to weekend language classes (raising him trilingual)
I have been told i will get in based on distance (fall in birth rates) and assured they welcome all children of all faiths and none. And that there are jewish families.. i am fine with him attending church services and participating in the nativity but i was wondering would he feel out of place as a Jewish child.
I love this school as its really lovely and nurturing and i dont know, i visited so many schools and none felt right except this one. Only thing is that its c of E.