Olam chesed yibaneh (A World Built on Kindness) announces the school's guiding philosophy, and at Yavneh College this is not merely a motto but a lived reality. This modern Orthodox Jewish secondary school in Borehamwood has established itself as one of the highest-performing non-selective state schools in England, combining rigorous academics with a deeply integrated Jewish education. With 383 applications for 173 places at Year 7 in 2024, competition is significant. The 2023 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good overall, with Outstanding grades for personal development and sixth form provision. Over 95% of sixth formers progress to university or apprenticeships, with the majority attending Russell Group institutions.
Set on a 13-acre campus on Hillside Avenue, Yavneh College occupies the site of the former Hillside School, making outstanding use of the 1930s buildings alongside modern additions. The school opened in 2006 under founding headteacher Dr Dena Coleman, who led the institution until her death in 2013, just weeks before her planned retirement. Mr Spencer Lewis, previously headteacher at King Solomon High School in Barkingside, has led the school since September 2013.
The atmosphere balances academic ambition with genuine warmth. As a modern Orthodox school, Yavneh welcomes students from across the spectrum of Jewish practice, creating a community that is both religiously grounded and inclusive. The school's ethos emphasises kindness, community service, and personal responsibility alongside academic achievement. Jewish education permeates daily life, from formal Jewish Studies lessons to informal programmes, Shabbatonim, and festival celebrations.
The £30 million campus provides state-of-the-art facilities. Seven science laboratories support rigorous STEM teaching. Three specialist design technology workshops allow practical learning across resistant materials, textiles, and food technology. The music suite incorporates a performance room, recording studios, and individual instrumental teaching rooms. A dedicated drama suite and theatre support the school's strong performing arts tradition.
Yavneh's GCSE results place it above the England average, sitting within the top 25% of schools in England (23rd percentile). The school ranks 1,074th in England and 3rd in Borehamwood for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).
Attainment 8 scores average 61.7, substantially above the England average. Nearly a third of grades (30.9%) fall at 9 to 7, demonstrating strong performance at the top end. Progress 8 of +0.97 indicates pupils make significantly above-average progress from their starting points, a remarkable figure that reflects the school's academic effectiveness.
At A-level, the school performs even more strongly. Yavneh ranks 323rd in England and 2nd in Borehamwood for sixth form outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 13% of schools in England with sixth forms.
In 2024, 75.3% of A-level grades achieved A* to B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. The school reports that 55% achieved A* or A grades, with 88% at A* to B. Ofsted's 2023 inspection rated the sixth form provision as Outstanding.
The combined A-level and GCSE performance places Yavneh 341st in England overall (FindMySchool composite ranking), a testament to consistent excellence across both key stages.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
75.29%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
30.9%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum combines academic breadth with Jewish Studies. In Years 7 and 8, students study English, mathematics, science, art, computing, design technology, drama, French, geography, history, Hebrew (Ivrit), music, PE, Spanish, and Jewish Studies. This comprehensive foundation ensures both secular and religious education proceed in parallel.
At GCSE, core subjects include English Language, English Literature, mathematics, Religious Studies, PE, and sciences. Students can pursue separate sciences or combined science, with additional options including geography, history, business studies, additional mathematics, computing, electronics, design technology, modern foreign languages, art, music, and drama.
The sixth form offers 22 subjects across A-levels, BTECs, and T-Levels. This flexibility allows students to pursue purely academic routes, vocational qualifications, or blended programmes matching their interests and career aspirations.
Teachers deliver the curriculum effectively, using expert subject knowledge and research-informed approaches. The 2023 Pikuach inspection found Jewish education at Yavneh College outstanding in every category, praising the integration of formal and informal Jewish learning.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Good
The school's destination data demonstrates strong progression. In 2024, 65% of the 130-strong leaver cohort progressed to university, with 6% entering apprenticeships and 13% moving directly into employment.
Over 95% of sixth formers continue to higher education or training, with the majority attending Russell Group universities. The school reports that 57% of university-bound students join Russell Group institutions. One student secured a place at Cambridge in the measurement period, from 11 Oxbridge applications.
Beyond Russell Group destinations, students progress to a range of universities and high-quality apprenticeships. The school emphasises that graduates enter some of the best universities and apprenticeships in the country.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 9.1%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Yavneh College is significantly oversubscribed, with 2.21 applications for every place. In 2024, 383 families applied for 173 Year 7 places. For September 2026 entry, the school will admit 180 students, an increase from the standard 150 as part of a local agreement with Hertfordshire County Council.
Following a Supreme Court ruling, Yavneh College no longer gives priority according to Jewish status alone. Instead, the school prioritises applicants who meet a religious practice test based on guidelines from the Chief Rabbi. All applicants seeking faith-based priority must complete a Certificate of Religious Practice (CRP) and a Supplementary Information Form (SIF), in addition to the Common Application Form submitted through the local authority.
The CRP assesses religious practice through documented synagogue attendance, Jewish education, and communal activity. Applicants must achieve 6 points on the CRP to receive faith-based priority. Applications are then ranked according to published oversubscription criteria.
CRP forms must be submitted to admissions@yavnehcollege.org by 31 October 2025. The SIF deadline is also 31 October 2025. The Common Application Form deadline follows standard local authority timings.
External applicants for Year 12 must complete an SIF and, if seeking faith-based priority, a CRP. The deadline for September 2025 entry is 31 January 2025. Sixth form entry requirements and subject-specific prerequisites are detailed in the Course Handbook available at open events.
Open Evening for Year 7 entry is scheduled for Wednesday 17 September 2025. Open Morning follows on Thursday 16 October 2025. The Sixth Form Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 12 November 2025.
Parents of children with Education, Health and Care Plans should apply through their local authority's Special Educational Needs team, ensuring proper consultation. However, the SIF and CRP are still required.
Applications
383
Total received
Places Offered
173
Subscription Rate
2.2x
Apps per place
The school adopts a whole-school approach to wellbeing, weaving pastoral support throughout the fabric of daily life. A dedicated pastoral team provides direct access to support for students experiencing difficulties.
SEND provision is comprehensive. The school publishes a detailed SEND Information Report and works closely with Hertfordshire's Local Offer for additional county-level support. Exam access arrangements ensure students with additional needs receive appropriate accommodations.
The Be Your Best Self (Middot) programme develops personal qualities including resilience, respect, and responsibility. Career guidance operates through the Unifrog platform, supporting students in making informed decisions about their futures. E-safety advice helps students navigate digital environments confidently.
Personal development received an Outstanding rating in the 2023 Ofsted inspection, recognising the school's success in developing well-rounded young people ready to contribute to society.
Extracurricular activities are timetabled into the school day, ensuring all students participate. In Years 7, 8, and 9, pupils choose three different enrichments per week during a dedicated 40-minute slot after lunch, Monday to Thursday. In Years 10 and 11, students select one enrichment weekly. This structured approach guarantees breadth of experience beyond the core curriculum.
Activities span sport, drama, technology, music, debating, chess, and languages. School productions are ambitious, with recent shows including My Fair Lady, Les Miserables, High School Musical, Evita, Bugsy Malone, West Side Story, and Oliver. School concerts showcase musical talent developed in the specialist music suite.
Over 150 students from Years 9 to 13 participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze and Silver levels at any one time. The programme develops self-confidence, resilience, and teamwork through expeditions, volunteering, skills development, and physical activities.
Community engagement is central to Yavneh's ethos. The Yoni Jesner Award for Year 8 requires 20 or more hours of volunteering across the community. Students have supported local Brownies, nursing homes, youth organisations, sporting activities, and mentoring programmes.
GIFT Lunch and Learn runs weekly, teaching pupils about giving to others through hands-on activities. The Hand of Yavneh (Yad Yavneh) enrichment for Years 7 to 9 sees students preparing food for the charity GIFT to distribute to families in need or for local homeless shelters.
In the sixth form, the GiveBack programme requires all Year 12 students to dedicate one hour weekly to mentoring younger students or supporting primary school classes. Additional opportunities include the Tribe's Israel Ambassador Advocacy scheme, JLGB Community Volunteering Programme, Jerusalem Marathon running for SHALVA, and Mitzvah Day volunteering for GIFT. The Am Echad charity committee coordinates student-led charitable initiatives.
The sports complex includes a full-size sports hall and aerobics/dance studio supporting badminton, basketball, indoor football, table tennis, volleyball, and dance. Outdoor courts accommodate netball, hockey, handball, basketball, and tennis. Nine acres of playing fields provide rugby pitches, football pitches, and a summer athletics track.
Creative facilities include three art rooms, a recording studio, individual music teaching rooms, a drama studio, and a theatre. Technology is supported by well-equipped ICT rooms and specialist design technology workshops.
The school day follows standard secondary timings. The Learning Resource Centre provides independent study space. Transport links serve families across North London and Hertfordshire, with the school's Borehamwood location accessible from the A1 and M1.
Faith commitment required for priority. Admissions priority depends on demonstrating religious practice through the CRP system. Families must achieve 6 points based on documented synagogue attendance, Jewish education, and communal involvement. This is not a token requirement; genuine religious engagement is expected.
Significant competition for places. With over two applicants for every place, securing entry requires both meeting faith criteria and ranking favourably. The expanded 2026 intake of 180 (up from 150) offers slightly improved odds, but demand remains strong.
Modern Orthodox ethos. While welcoming students from across the spectrum of Jewish practice, the school operates within a modern Orthodox framework. Jewish Studies, Hebrew, and religious observance are integral, not optional. Families seeking minimal religious content should look elsewhere.
Distance from some communities. Located in Borehamwood, the school draws families from across Hertfordshire and North London. Travel times can be substantial for those living further afield, requiring careful consideration of daily logistics.
Yavneh College achieves something rare: outstanding academic outcomes within a state school framework, combined with deeply integrated Jewish education. Progress 8 of nearly +1.0 demonstrates exceptional value-added, transforming students academically while developing them as caring, community-minded individuals.
The Ofsted Outstanding rating for personal development and sixth form provision reflects genuine strengths. The enrichment programme ensures breadth, while community service expectations instil the kindness embedded in the school's motto.
Best suited to families within the Jewish community who want rigorous academic preparation alongside authentic religious education. The faith-based admissions criteria and modern Orthodox ethos mean this is a school for committed Jewish families seeking more than secular excellence. For those who fit the profile, Yavneh offers first-class education within a values-driven community. The main challenge lies in securing one of the limited places available.
Yes. Yavneh College was rated Good by Ofsted in November 2023, with Outstanding grades for personal development and sixth form provision. The school ranks in the top 25% of schools in England for GCSE results and the top 13% for A-levels. Progress 8 of +0.97 indicates students make significantly above-average progress. The school has been named the best-performing non-selective state school in the UK based on three-year average results.
Apply through your local authority using the Common Application Form, even though the school is in Hertfordshire. You must also complete a Supplementary Information Form directly with the school. If seeking faith-based priority, submit a Certificate of Religious Practice assessing your documented synagogue attendance, Jewish education, and communal involvement. Deadlines for September 2026 entry are 31 October 2025 for the CRP and SIF.
Applicants are ranked first by Certificate of Religious Practice score, requiring 6 points for faith-based priority. Points are awarded based on Chief Rabbi guidelines for demonstrating religious practice. After looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school, faith criteria and oversubscription criteria determine place allocation. The school received 383 applications for 173 places in 2024.
The sixth form offers 22 subjects across A-levels, BTECs, and T-Levels. Options include traditional academic subjects alongside vocational qualifications. All students continue Jewish Studies. Students can pursue purely academic routes, vocational programmes, or blended pathways. In 2024, 75.3% of A-level grades achieved A* to B.
Admissions priority is based on religious practice, not Jewish status, following a Supreme Court ruling. Families must demonstrate active religious engagement through the Certificate of Religious Practice to receive priority. While the school welcomes students from across the spectrum of Jewish practice, it operates as a modern Orthodox institution with compulsory Jewish Studies and Hebrew.
Get in touch with the school directly
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