King Solomon High School: Faith and Community

Located on the East London-Essex border, King Solomon High School serves as the only Jewish secondary school in the area. It combines a Modern Orthodox ethos with a genuinely multicultural intake, welcoming students of all faiths and none. While the school currently holds an Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement (May 2024), this headline masks a more complex picture. GCSE progress is strong, often outperforming local averages, and the school is navigating a period of structured change under Headteacher Michele Phillips, who was appointed in September 2023 to drive improvement in behaviour and consistency.

The school’s identity is built on Jewish values, specifically Torah (learning), Avodah (service), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of kindness). These are not abstract concepts but lived experiences; the school day respects the rhythms of the Jewish calendar, with early closures on Fridays for Shabbat and celebrations for festivals like Purim and Chanukah.

Despite the strong religious character, the atmosphere is diverse. A significant proportion of students come from non-Jewish backgrounds, drawn by the school's reputation for pastoral care and community structure. Facilities at the Forest Road site are extensive, including a dedicated synagogue and a kosher bistro which serves as a social hub.

Academic outcomes present a clear divide between the main school and the sixth form.

At GCSE, students perform well. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.36. This indicates that students make greater progress here than the average for pupils with similar starting points across England. The average Attainment 8 score was 50.4, placing it above the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 1,567th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), sitting comfortably in the top 35% of schools.

Post-16 performance is currently weaker. The school ranks 2,150th in England for A-levels, placing it in the national lower band. In 2024, 30.6% of A-level grades were A*-B, below the England average of 47.2%. The percentage of top grades (A*/A) was 9.4%.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious, following the National Curriculum alongside a dedicated Jewish Studies programme. All students, regardless of faith, engage with Jewish education or values-based learning, which fosters a high level of religious literacy.

However, the quality of education varies. The May 2024 Ofsted inspection noted that while subject thinking is often clear, the delivery in classrooms can be inconsistent. Some students benefit from expert instruction, while others face variability in how well teachers check understanding or manage low-level disruption. Leadership is actively addressing this through new teaching and learning policies.

The sixth form retains a family feel, though retention rates vary. In 2024, 66% of leavers progressed to university, with 14% moving directly into employment.

While overall A-level grades are lower than national averages, the school successfully supports its most able students to prestigious destinations. In 2024, one student secured a place at Cambridge University, demonstrating that the pathway to elite institutions remains open for high achievers.

Admissions are coordinated by the London Borough of Redbridge. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with nearly two applications for every place in 2024.

Entry follows a dual pathway. Priority is given to Jewish children who demonstrate commitment to the faith, evidenced by a Certificate of Religious Practice (CRP) signed by a Rabbi. Remaining places are open to local children of other faiths or no faith, allocated primarily by distance from the school gate. Families must complete the Common Application Form (CAF) for their local authority and, if applying for a faith place, the Supplementary Information Form (SIF/CRP).

Pastoral support is a stated priority. The school employs a wellbeing team that includes counsellors and works closely with Jewish community organisations like Norwood. The house system is designed to create smaller communities within the school, ensuring every child is known.

Since the appointment of the new headteacher, there has been a renewed focus on behaviour. New policies aim to create a calm and orderly environment, though inspectors noted in 2024 that these high expectations are not yet applied consistently by all staff.

Extracurricular life is vibrant, particularly around cultural and religious events. The "Informal Jewish Education" team runs lunch and learn sessions, Shabbaton weekends, and leadership training programmes.

For the wider student body, there are opportunities in sport and the arts. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, and the school has a history of successful drama productions. Trips have historically included visits to Israel and Poland, though these are subject to security and travel guidance.

The school is located in Barkingside, easily accessible via the Central Line (Fairlop or Barkingside stations) and local bus routes. The school day runs from 8:35am to 3:05pm, with earlier finishes on Fridays during winter to allow families to prepare for Shabbat. Wraparound care is not provided on-site.

Requires Improvement Rating. The school is currently rated Requires Improvement (May 2024). This reflects inconsistencies in teaching and behaviour management. Families should be aware that the school is on an improvement journey.

Voluntary Contributions. As a Voluntary Aided Jewish school, parents are asked to make voluntary contributions (typically termed "security and ethos contributions") to cover costs not met by the state, such as Jewish Studies teaching and site security. While voluntary, these are an expected part of the school culture.

Sixth Form Performance. There is a performance gap between GCSE and A-level. Families looking for a continuous seven-year journey should review sixth form subject results carefully when the time comes.

Faith & Culture. The school is unashamedly Orthodox in its ethos. Non-Jewish families are welcomed warmly, but students are expected to respect and participate in the life of a Jewish school, including modest dress codes and dietary laws (all food on site is kosher).

King Solomon High School offers a unique educational environment where academic progress at GCSE is strong and community values are central. It is an obvious choice for Jewish families in Essex and East London, but also serves as a cohesive, value-driven option for local families of other faiths. The main challenge lies in raising A-level outcomes and embedding the consistency required to regain a Good rating. Best suited to families who value a structured, faith-rich community alongside their child's academic development.