Deep in the heart of the Orthodox Jewish community in Salford, Etz Chaim Boys School provides a traditional education for students aged 11 to 17. The school operates as an independent secondary, combining a heavy emphasis on Kodesh (religious) studies with a selection of secular subjects. Established in 1993, the institution serves a specific niche in the Manchester educational context, prioritising spiritual and moral development alongside foundational academic skills.
The school is relatively small, with a capacity for 250 students, which allows for a close-knit atmosphere where staff are deeply embedded in the community they serve. Led by Rabbi Dovi Roberts, the school maintains a steady focus on its religious mission. While academic results in secular metrics sit below England averages, the school's primary objective is the preparation of young men for a life of religious observance and further Yeshiva study.
The atmosphere at Etz Chaim is defined by its religious character. The school day begins and ends with prayer, and the rhythm of the week is dictated by the Jewish calendar. Secular and religious studies coexist, but there is no doubt which takes precedence in the school’s hierarchy of values. The environment is one of discipline and respect, rooted in the teachings of the Torah.
Physical facilities are functional, located on Bury New Road in the Higher Broughton area. The school has undergone various inspections by Ofsted over the years. The most recent standard inspection in September 2024 rated the school as Requires Improvement, citing inconsistencies in the curriculum and some weaknesses in recording welfare concerns. A subsequent monitoring visit in May 2025 noted that while some improvements have been made, particularly in health and safety and certain areas of the curriculum, the school still has work to do to meet all Independent School Standards.
The school's motto, while not officially published in Latin on its public-facing materials, is centred on the principle of Torah Im Derech Eretz (Torah with the ways of the world). This philosophy guides the students to be both pious and productive members of their community.
Academic performance in secular examinations at Etz Chaim reflects the school’s unique curriculum balance. In 2024, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 26.5. This score is below the England average, placing Etz Chaim in the lower 40% of schools in England (83.7th percentile) for GCSE outcomes.
The FindMySchool ranking places Etz Chaim 3,846th in England and 77th in Manchester for GCSE results. These figures should be viewed within the context of the school's priorities; a significant portion of the students’ time is dedicated to religious texts which are not captured by standard DfE metrics. In 2024, 0% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), as the curriculum does not align with the specific subject combinations required for that measure.
For the sixth form phase, numerical data for A-levels is not currently published by the DfE for this school. Most students in the post-16 phase focus heavily on advanced religious studies in preparation for higher Yeshiva placements.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching at Etz Chaim is split between Kodesh and Chol (secular) departments. The religious curriculum is rigorous and intensive, focusing on Gemara, Halacha, and Chumash. This study requires high levels of concentration, linguistic skill in Hebrew and Aramaic, and logical reasoning.
The secular curriculum is more focused, aiming to provide students with essential qualifications in core subjects such as English and Mathematics. External reviews confirm that teachers have adequate subject knowledge and that the school has recently introduced commercial programmes to add depth to student learning. Classes are small, which allows for individual attention, particularly in the core subjects where students may need more support to reach grade 4 or 5 benchmarks.
The school does not aim to provide a broad "all-rounder" curriculum in the secular sense. There is a clear focus on what is deemed necessary for the students' future roles within their specific community.
The vast majority of students leaving Etz Chaim at either age 16 or 18 progress to Yeshivot (higher religious colleges), both in the UK and internationally. This is the standard and desired pathway for this cohort.
While the school does not publish a list of Russell Group university destinations, the preparation for Yeshiva study is viewed by the community as the highest form of academic and spiritual progression. A small number of students may eventually transition into professional training or employment within community-based businesses after their religious studies are completed.
As an independent Jewish school, admissions are handled directly by the institution. Etz Chaim serves the Orthodox Jewish community exclusively. Preference is given to families who strictly adhere to the school's religious standards and whose lifestyle is consistent with the school’s ethos.
For secondary entry in September 2026, the application window typically aligns with local authority timelines, generally opening in September and closing on 31 October 2025. There is no published data for a last distance offered, as admissions are based on religious compatibility and community membership rather than strictly on geography. Parents should contact the school office directly to discuss the application process and to arrange an interview, which usually involves a discussion about the family's religious commitments.
Pastoral care is deeply integrated into the religious life of the school. The Rebbeim (teachers) serve as more than just instructors; they are mentors and role models. Support for students is often framed within a religious context, focusing on character development and the fulfillment of religious duties.
Inspectors have previously noted that students are respectful and that behaviour and attitudes within the school are good. While the school is small and lacks the large-scale counselling departments found in some mainstream schools, the close-knit nature of the community means that staff are acutely aware of the needs of individual students.
Extracurricular life at Etz Chaim is largely synonymous with community life. There are few "clubs" in the traditional sense, but students are involved in various chessed (charity) initiatives and community service projects.
One popular feature is the Forest Centre, which offers students the opportunity to develop diverse outdoor skills. The school also organises occasional trips and activities that align with Jewish values. The lack of extensive sporting facilities is mitigated by local community arrangements, though the school does not have a formalised competitive sports programme that would be found in larger independent schools.
Etz Chaim Boys School operates as an independent school, and as such, its financial structure differs from state-funded institutions. Historically, the school has operated on a system of voluntary contributions from parents rather than fixed annual fees. This approach allows the school to remain accessible to a wider range of families within the Orthodox community.
Parents are encouraged to contribute to the school's running costs to the best of their ability. Specific details regarding requested contribution levels for the 2025/2026 academic year are typically handled privately between the school's management and individual families. For those experiencing financial hardship, the school's leadership is known for its discretion and commitment to ensuring that no child is excluded due to an inability to pay.
The school day typically runs from early morning until late afternoon, reflecting the dual curriculum. Exact hours are tailored to the prayer schedule. Etz Chaim does not offer a standard breakfast or after-school club, as students are often involved in religious activities outside of formal school hours.
Transport is primarily local, with many students walking from the surrounding Higher Broughton area. For those further afield, the school is accessible via Bury New Road, though most students are from the immediate neighbourhood.
Etz Chaim Boys School is a dedicated institution that fulfils its role within the Salford Orthodox community with precision. It is not an "academic" school in the secular sense, nor does it try to be. Instead, it provides a safe, disciplined, and spiritually rich environment for boys to grow into their religious responsibilities. Best suited to families within the local Orthodox community for whom Yeshiva progression and religious piety are the ultimate goals of secondary education.
Etz Chaim is currently rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted following its 2024 inspection. While behaviour and attitudes are rated Good, the school is working to improve curriculum consistency and safeguarding records. It is highly regarded within its specific community for its religious provision.
Rather than traditional fixed fees, the school historically requests voluntary contributions from parents. These arrangements are handled privately. Contact the school directly for 2025/2026 guidelines.
Yes, the school has a sixth form provision, though it is primarily focused on advanced religious studies in preparation for higher Yeshiva placement.
The school is strictly Orthodox Jewish. This character permeates every aspect of school life, from the curriculum and dress code to the daily schedule and food provided.
Applications should be made directly to the school, ideally before the late October deadline for the following year. The process involves an interview and an assessment of the family's religious suitability.
Get in touch with the school directly
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