Beis Malka Girls' School Review 2026: Orthodox Jewish Education for Girls in Hackney

Beis Malka Girls' School is an independent all-through school for girls aged 2 to 16 in Stoke Newington, Hackney, serving approximately 580 pupils within the Orthodox Jewish community. Founded on the principle of unconditional adherence to the Shulchan Aruch (code of Jewish law), the school offers an education framework rooted in the Belz Hasidic tradition. The school operates across two sites: the main campus at 93 Alkham Road and an additional site on Timberwharf Road for younger children including Reception-age pupils. Its most recent Ofsted inspection in December 2024 resulted in a "Requires Improvement" rating, marking a period of development for the school. The school offers nursery provision from age 2 and serves the local Orthodox Jewish community with a non-selective admissions policy.

The school's identity is deeply anchored in its commitment to Orthodox Jewish values and traditions within the Belz Hasidic movement. Often referred to within the community as offering education "al pi taharas kodesh" (roughly translating as "holy, pure education"), Beis Malka provides a learning environment that carefully integrates religious observance with secular educational requirements. The school's ethos prioritises adherence to Jewish law and the preservation of religious and cultural traditions for girls growing up in the Charedi community.

Leadership under headteacher Mrs G Wind focuses on maintaining the school's religious character while addressing regulatory standards. The educational philosophy emphasises that certain aspects of children's development, particularly around relationships and personal matters, are considered the responsibility of families rather than the school curriculum. This approach reflects the broader values of the Charedi educational framework, which seeks to shield pupils from content that may conflict with community religious beliefs, particularly around gender and sexuality topics.

The atmosphere across both sites is shaped by the close-knit nature of the Orthodox Jewish community it serves. The school functions as both an educational institution and a cultural anchor, reinforcing the values, language, and practices of the Belz tradition. Inspectors have noted that Charedi schools are typically underpinned by a belief that all people are created in a godly image, with leaders encouraging pupils to respect everyone without exception.

At Key Stage 4, Beis Malka Girls' School faces academic challenges. The school's average Attainment 8 score stands at 34.9, significantly below the national average. No pupils achieved grades 5 or above across the full English Baccalaureate suite of subjects in the most recent results, and the average EBacc APS score of 3.16 falls well below the England average of 4.08. These figures place the school in the lower quartile nationally for GCSE performance.

The school does not publish primary attainment data or Progress 8 scores, making it difficult to assess value-added performance or track pupil progress over time. The absence of these metrics suggests that the school may prioritise Judaic studies and religious education over the breadth of the secular national curriculum typically measured by government performance tables.

Curriculum provision focuses on a dual programme: secular subjects required by the Independent School Standards alongside a comprehensive Judaic studies programme. The Judaic curriculum tends to be less text-based than in some other Orthodox schools, emphasising practical religious knowledge and observance. Recent inspection findings noted that the school had made progress in literacy and numeracy schemes, suggesting ongoing efforts to strengthen core academic skills.

Support structures are in place for pupils with special educational needs, though detailed information about the nature and scope of this provision is not publicly available. As an independent school, Beis Malka is not bound by the same SEND reporting requirements as state schools, and families seeking specific SEN support should contact the school directly to discuss individual needs.

The school does not offer sixth form provision; education concludes at age 16. Post-16 pathways for leavers typically involve further study within specialist Orthodox Jewish institutions or direct entry into community and family responsibilities, in line with cultural expectations for girls within the Belz community.

Beis Malka Girls' School operates a non-selective admissions policy within the Orthodox Jewish community it serves. As an independent school, it manages its own admissions process directly rather than coordinating through the Local Authority. Families interested in a place should contact the school on 020 8806 2070 or via email at the appropriate site: for early years and nursery provision, contact details include earlyyears@beismalka.com and nurseryhead@beismalka.com.

The school serves a specific faith community, and admission is typically available to families within the Belz Hasidic tradition or the wider Orthodox Jewish community in North London. Demand for places is driven primarily by the limited number of schools offering this particular educational and religious framework for girls. The school's capacity is 620, with current enrolment at approximately 580, suggesting that places are generally available for families within the target community.

Entry points exist at multiple stages, from nursery (age 2) through primary and secondary phases. The school does not publish waiting lists, distance statistics, or application-to-offer ratios, reflecting the nature of its community-based admissions approach. Because the school draws from a defined religious community rather than a geographic catchment, proximity to the school is less critical than religious affiliation and observance.

Families considering Beis Malka should be aware that the educational philosophy and curriculum differ significantly from mainstream or other faith schools. The emphasis on religious observance, modest dress codes, and the exclusion of certain curriculum topics around relationships and protected characteristics may not align with all families' expectations. Prospective parents are encouraged to visit both sites and discuss their educational priorities with the headteacher before applying.

Beis Malka Girls' School offers a distinctive educational pathway for families seeking an Orthodox Jewish education within the Belz Hasidic tradition. Its strengths lie in its clear religious ethos, strong community ties, and commitment to preserving cultural and religious identity for the next generation of girls within the Charedi community. The dual-site provision and nursery offering from age 2 provide continuity for families from early years through to the end of compulsory education.

However, the school faces significant academic challenges. The "Requires Improvement" Ofsted rating and markedly low GCSE results indicate that secular academic outcomes lag well behind national standards. The absence of published Progress 8 data and limited transparency around curriculum breadth raise questions about how effectively the school balances religious and secular education. Families prioritising strong academic performance in national qualifications may find better-suited alternatives elsewhere.

For families within the Belz community or those who prioritise strict Orthodox Jewish education above academic league table performance, Beis Malka provides a purpose-built environment aligned with religious values. The school's focus on practical religious knowledge, adherence to Jewish law, and shielding from content that conflicts with community beliefs will resonate strongly with its intended audience. However, those seeking a broader educational experience, strong GCSE outcomes, or sixth form provision should look to other schools.

The coming years will be critical for Beis Malka as it works to address the concerns raised by Ofsted while maintaining the religious character that defines its mission. The school's trajectory will depend on its ability to raise academic standards without compromising the faith-based ethos that underpins its identity.

Is Beis Malka Girls' School a good school?

Beis Malka Girls' School serves a specific community with a clear religious mission. Its most recent Ofsted inspection in December 2024 rated the school as "Requires Improvement," and GCSE results fall significantly below national averages. For families within the Belz Hasidic community seeking an education rooted in Orthodox Jewish values, the school offers a tailored environment aligned with religious and cultural expectations. However, those prioritising strong academic outcomes or a broad secular curriculum may find the school does not meet their needs.

How do I apply to Beis Malka Girls' School?

Beis Malka Girls' School operates its own admissions process. Families should contact the school directly on 020 8806 2070 to discuss entry requirements and application procedures. For nursery and early years admissions, you can also email earlyyears@beismalka.com or nurseryhead@beismalka.com. The school serves the Orthodox Jewish community and operates a non-selective admissions policy within that community. It is advisable to arrange a visit to both school sites and discuss the school's ethos and educational approach with the headteacher before applying.

What are the school's GCSE results like?

Beis Malka Girls' School's GCSE results are below national standards. The average Attainment 8 score is 34.9, well below the England average, and no pupils achieved grades 5 or above across the full English Baccalaureate suite of subjects in recent results. The school does not publish Progress 8 data, making it difficult to assess how much value it adds during pupils' time at the school. Families should be aware that academic performance in national examinations is not the school's primary focus; religious education and adherence to Orthodox Jewish values take precedence.

Does Beis Malka Girls' School have a sixth form?

No, Beis Malka Girls' School does not have a sixth form. Education at the school runs from age 2 to 16. After completing their GCSEs, pupils typically continue their education at specialist Orthodox Jewish post-16 institutions or enter directly into family and community responsibilities, in line with cultural expectations within the Belz Hasidic community.

What is the school's religious character?

Beis Malka Girls' School is an Orthodox Jewish school operating within the Belz Hasidic tradition. The school's ethos is founded on unconditional adherence to the Shulchan Aruch (code of Jewish law). Education is described within the community as "al pi taharas kodesh" (holy, pure education), which means pupils are shielded from content that conflicts with religious beliefs, particularly around relationships, gender, and sexuality. The school integrates a comprehensive Judaic studies programme with the secular national curriculum, though religious education is the primary focus. Attendance and participation in religious observances are central to school life.