Simon Marks Jewish Primary School Review 2026: Elite Results in a Nurturing Faith Community

On a residential street in Stoke Newington, behind modest gates, sits the highest-performing primary school in Hackney and one of the elite performers in England. In 2024, every Year 6 pupil at Simon Marks met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a result achieved by fewer than 1% of primaries nationally. The school ranks 90th among 15,158 primaries in England for KS2 outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it firmly in the top 1%. This is a Jewish voluntary aided school where religious identity and academic excellence are inseparable. The 240 pupils, aged 3 to 11, are taught within a framework of Torah values and Jewish tradition. Families seeking this education must demonstrate commitment to Jewish life and observance.

The school occupies a compact site where every space serves multiple purposes. Classrooms open onto a small playground; the hall doubles as dining room and assembly space. The modest physical footprint belies the ambition within.

Talmud Torah K'neged Kulam (The study of Torah is equal to all), runs the school motto, and this principle shapes daily life. Hebrew is taught from nursery. Jewish studies account for a significant portion of curriculum time. The calendar follows the rhythm of Jewish festivals; Shabbat is observed; dietary laws are maintained.

Mrs Deborah Lipman has led the school since 2018, bringing experience from Orthodox Jewish education in North London. Under her leadership, the school achieved Good in its 2019 Ofsted inspection and has maintained exceptional academic standards while deepening its Jewish character.

The atmosphere is purposeful and warm. Children move confidently between lessons, switching naturally between English and Hebrew. Behaviour is excellent, rooted in the Jewish principle of derech eretz (respectful conduct). Teachers know every child and family well; the community is close-knit.

The 2024 KS2 results are exceptional by any measure. Every pupil met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 54% of pupils achieved greater depth across all three subjects, compared to the England average of 8%.

Reading performance is particularly strong. The average scaled score of 112 significantly exceeds the England average of 105. 75% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, demonstrating both technical fluency and comprehension depth.

Mathematics mirrors this strength. The average scaled score of 111 compares to the England average of 104. Half the cohort achieved the higher standard, evidencing secure understanding of mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.

Writing shows similar excellence, with 38% achieving greater depth compared to the England average of 13%. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling results are equally impressive, with an average scaled score of 112 and 63% reaching the higher standard.

These results place Simon Marks 1st among 67 primaries in Hackney and 90th in England, positioning it among the highest-performing primaries in the country. This consistency over multiple years indicates embedded strength rather than anomaly.

The curriculum follows the national framework for secular subjects, taught to a high standard. English and mathematics lessons are structured and rigorous. Setting in mathematics begins in Year 4, allowing teachers to pitch work precisely to pupil readiness. Phonics teaching is systematic; reading is prioritised from the earliest years.

Jewish studies run parallel to the secular curriculum. Hebrew is taught daily from nursery, progressing from basic vocabulary to reading and comprehension by Year 6. Jewish history, Torah study, and religious observance are integral to school life. Prayers mark the start and end of each day; blessings are said before eating.

Class sizes average 24, with a teaching assistant in every classroom. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and explain concepts clearly. Pupils speak enthusiastically about their learning, describing lessons as challenging but supportive.

The library stocks both English and Hebrew texts. Reading for pleasure is encouraged; pupils borrow regularly. Book week celebrations highlight both secular and Jewish literature.

The school's small size enables staff to know every child individually. The SENCO coordinates support for approximately 20 pupils on the SEN register, a lower proportion than the national average. Interventions are targeted and reviewed regularly.

Behaviour management follows Jewish principles of respectful conduct and personal responsibility. The behaviour policy emphasises positive reinforcement and restorative approaches. Sanctions are rare; pupils understand expectations and meet them consistently.

The school holds Healthy Schools status. Lunches are kosher and freshly prepared on site. Physical education includes swimming at a local leisure centre and sports sessions in the small playground.

Pastoral support extends to families. The school maintains close contact with parents, who are expected to support the school's values at home. Homework includes Jewish studies alongside secular subjects.

The extracurricular programme reflects both academic and religious priorities. Clubs include choir, art, coding, and sports, with offerings changing termly. All clubs are scheduled to end before Shabbat on Fridays.

Music is a strength. The school choir performs at community events and Jewish festivals. Instrumental lessons are available for violin, guitar, and keyboard. Pupils prepare songs for Chanukah, Purim, and end-of-year celebrations.

Jewish festivals provide rich experiential learning. Sukkot sees the construction of a temporary sukkah in the playground. Purim brings costume and celebration. Shavuot includes learning marathons. These observances deepen religious understanding while building community bonds.

Year 6 pupils attend a residential trip, carefully planned to maintain kosher food and Jewish observance. Day trips include visits to Jewish heritage sites and museums.

Admissions are coordinated by Hackney Council, but the school's voluntary aided status allows it to prioritise applicants by faith criteria. The admissions policy is explicit: families must demonstrate active commitment to Jewish life.

Priority is given first to looked-after children, then to Jewish children ranked by frequency of synagogue attendance. Evidence is required from a rabbi confirming regular attendance at Orthodox synagogue services. Families must also complete a supplementary information form detailing their Jewish observance.

In 2024, the school received 17 applications for 10 Reception places, with all first preferences met. This relatively modest oversubscription reflects the specific faith criteria rather than lack of demand; only Jewish families meeting observance requirements realistically apply.

Parents should verify their eligibility against the published admissions policy before applying. The requirement for documented synagogue attendance is strictly applied. Families from Reform or Liberal traditions may not meet the criteria, as the school specifies Orthodox observance.

The school's compact size means year groups of approximately 20 pupils. This creates intimate learning communities but limits places available.

The school offers nursery provision for children from age 3, operating term-time only. Nursery hours are mornings only, with afternoon sessions available subject to demand. Government-funded hours are accepted for eligible families; see the government's guide to early years funding for details. For nursery fees and session times, visit the school website or contact the school directly.

Nursery provision introduces children to both secular learning and Jewish identity. Hebrew words are taught through songs and stories. Jewish festivals are celebrated in age-appropriate ways. The nursery shares the school's kosher dining arrangements and observance of Shabbat.

Progression from nursery to Reception is not automatic. Families must apply through the coordinated admissions process and meet the faith criteria outlined above. However, nursery attendance allows children to settle into the school environment and benefit from early exposure to Hebrew and Jewish practices.

Most pupils progress to Jewish secondary schools, reflecting families' commitment to faith-based education. Popular destinations include JFS (Jewish Free School) in Brent, Yavneh College in Borehamwood, and Hasmonean High School in Barnet. Some families pursue places at other faith secondaries or selective grammar schools.

The school provides guidance on secondary applications but does not formally prepare pupils for entrance tests. Families seeking grammar school places typically arrange external tutoring.

Transition arrangements are strong. The school maintains contact with destination secondaries and shares detailed pupil information to support smooth progression. Year 6 pupils benefit from transition visits and meetings with secondary staff.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:20pm Monday to Thursday, ending at 12:30pm on Fridays to allow families to prepare for Shabbat. Breakfast club operates from 8:00am, offering kosher breakfast and supervised activities. After-school club runs until 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, with kosher snacks provided. There is no after-school provision on Fridays due to Shabbat observance.

The school is located on Cazenove Road in Stoke Newington, well-served by public transport. Stoke Newington rail station is a 10-minute walk. Several bus routes serve the area, including routes 67, 73, 76, 149, 243, and 476. Parking near the school is limited; families are encouraged to walk or use public transport. Many families live locally within the Orthodox Jewish community.

Faith commitment required. This is an Orthodox Jewish school where religious observance is central, not incidental. Families must demonstrate active synagogue attendance at an Orthodox shul and commitment to Jewish life at home. The admissions criteria are explicit and strictly applied. Families from Reform or Liberal traditions, or those less observant, are unlikely to meet the requirements and should consider alternatives.

Shabbat observance. The school closes early on Fridays and does not set homework over Shabbat. Family life must accommodate Jewish observance, including Shabbat and festival celebrations. This commitment shapes weekly routines and may affect work schedules.

Limited places. With only 10 Reception places annually and a compact roll of 240 pupils, spaces are limited. Families meeting the faith criteria still face competition, particularly from within Hackney's established Orthodox community.

Small site. The school occupies a modest urban site with limited outdoor space. The playground serves all age groups and is small compared to suburban primaries. Families seeking extensive grounds or specialist sports facilities should manage expectations accordingly.

Hebrew proficiency. Children are expected to engage with Hebrew language and Jewish texts from an early age. This dual curriculum is enriching but demanding. Families unable to support Hebrew learning at home may find their children at a disadvantage.

Simon Marks delivers outstanding academic outcomes within a deeply Jewish framework, serving families who want both religious education and secular excellence. The results speak clearly: top 1% nationally for KS2 performance, with every pupil meeting expected standards and over half achieving the higher standard across core subjects. This is not a school that compromises academic rigour for faith identity; it achieves both without dilution.

Best suited to families from the Orthodox Jewish community who want their children educated within Torah values while achieving the strongest academic foundations. The school's religious character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily Hebrew, Jewish studies as a core subject, strict kosher observance, and Shabbat protocols should look elsewhere. For those seeking this education, the challenge is meeting the faith criteria and securing one of the limited places. Those who succeed gain access to a remarkable school where heritage and achievement are indivisible.