The King David High School

In the heart of Manchester's Jewish community, The King David High School has spent over six decades shaping young lives through an education rooted in traditional values and academic ambition. This state-funded Jewish Orthodox school serves approximately 770 students aged 11 to 18, offering families the rare combination of faith-based education without independent school fees. The school's motto speaks to its dual mission: developing students who are both academically accomplished and deeply connected to their heritage. With GCSE results placing it in the top 25% of schools in England and a sixth form that sends students to leading universities including Oxbridge, this is a school where Jewish identity and academic aspiration walk hand in hand.

The campus on Eaton Road in Crumpsall has been home to Jewish education in Manchester since 1959, when the King David Schools moved to this site. The school operates an unusual structure, with three distinct units under one roof: the main school, Yavneh Boys, and Yavneh Girls. Students and families choose their preferred unit, and transfers between them are possible at any point. This flexibility allows families to select the environment that best matches their religious observance and preferences while remaining part of a unified school community.

Mrs Tracy Basger took over as Interim Headteacher in September 2024, following John Dalziel's tenure. The transition comes at a pivotal moment, as the school works to address findings from its 2023 Ofsted inspection. Despite the Requires Improvement rating, the atmosphere within the school reflects the inspector's observation that there is a strong feeling of community and mutual respect among students.

The school's values of respect, courtesy, self-discipline, diligence, and the pursuit of excellence are not abstract principles confined to assembly halls. They shape daily interactions, from how students engage with teachers to how different religious observances are accommodated within the school day. Modern Hebrew is compulsory through Key Stage 3, Religious Studies mandatory at GCSE, and the rhythms of the Jewish calendar structure the academic year. For families seeking a school where faith is genuinely integrated rather than merely acknowledged, this is central to the appeal.

The most recent Pikuach inspection in 2024 rated Jewish education as Good, providing independent verification that the school's religious mission is being delivered effectively. This dual inspection framework means parents receive separate assessments of both secular and Jewish provision.

GCSE Results

The school's GCSE performance places it comfortably above England averages and within the top quarter of schools nationally. In 2024, 35% of grades achieved were at 9-7, with 21% at the highest grades of 9-8. The average Attainment 8 score of 57.8 significantly exceeds the England average of 45.9, indicating that students leave Year 11 with strong qualifications across a broad range of subjects.

The King David High School ranks 801st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools in England. Locally, it sits 13th among Manchester secondary schools and holds a combined GCSE and A-level ranking of 695th nationally.

Perhaps more telling than raw grades is the Progress 8 score of +0.5, which indicates students make significantly better progress than would be expected given their starting points. This value-added measure suggests the school's teaching and support structures are effective at helping all students improve, regardless of their ability level on entry.

The EBacc average point score of 5.23 exceeds the England average of 4.08, demonstrating strong performance in the traditional academic subjects that form the English Baccalaureate. 30% of students achieved grades 5 or above across all EBacc subjects, indicating a cohort well prepared for advanced study.

A-Level Results

At A-level, 57% of grades achieved were A*-B, with 29% at A*-A. These figures exceed the England averages of 47% at A*-B and 24% at A*-A, though the margin is narrower than at GCSE. The school ranks 745th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England for sixth form performance. Locally, this represents the 9th position among Manchester providers.

The difference between GCSE and A-level rankings reflects the competitive sixth form landscape, where sixth form colleges and independent school sixth forms draw high-achieving students from across the region. The school maintains respectable performance while serving its community mission of providing a complete 11-18 Jewish education pathway.

The curriculum is delivered on a two-week timetable of one-hour lessons, providing time for depth in each subject. At Key Stage 3, all students study a broad programme including English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Physical Education, Computer Science, Religious Studies, Modern Hebrew, French and Spanish, Art, Drama, Food Technology, and Music.

Teachers are described in official assessments as having specialist subject knowledge evident in their teaching methods. Content is delivered interactively, with a focus on helping students understand concepts rather than simply memorising information. The curriculum is taught in cumulative and spiral sequences, with skills revisited and developed in increasing complexity as students progress through the school.

GCSE preparation begins partway through Year 9 for Mathematics and Science, recognising the linear nature of these reformed qualifications. Students typically take between eight and ten GCSEs, with English Language, English Literature, Religious Studies, Mathematics, and Sciences forming the core. The school encourages students to maintain curriculum breadth by choosing English Baccalaureate subjects, while still allowing flexibility for creative and vocational options.

Learning for Life sessions, the school's PSHE programme, run weekly and through designated study days, covering personal development, careers education, and wellbeing topics. This complements rather than competes with academic provision.

The 2024 leavers destinations data shows 45% of the sixth form cohort progressing directly to university. A further 23% entered employment, while 2% began apprenticeships. These proportions reflect the diverse aspirations within the student body and the school's focus on supporting multiple pathways rather than funnelling all students toward a single destination.

Over the measurement period, ten students applied to Oxbridge, with one securing a place at Cambridge. This represents a modest but consistent pipeline to the most competitive universities. The school provides dedicated Oxbridge preparation support, including visits to Oxford and Cambridge, help with additional application forms, and individual mock interview practice.

Beyond Oxbridge, the school reports that the vast majority of students progress to the destination of their choice, whether that is Russell Group universities, apprenticeships, or direct employment. The Medical Society provides targeted support for students pursuing medicine and dentistry, including aptitude test preparation, personalised guidance, and interview practice. Other enrichment options include the Extended Project Qualification, allowing students to undertake substantial independent research.

Notable alumni demonstrate the school's capacity to produce successful graduates across varied fields. Josh Fruhman, who attended from 2000 to 2007, became a tech entrepreneur and co-founded Reclip, a social media application. Harry Lewis, Head Boy during his time at the school and a student from 2007 to 2014, studied Land Economy at Cambridge and now works in real estate finance across the UK and Europe. Naomi Myers, Head Girl of the Yavneh unit, became a clinical pharmacist and now serves at Salford Royal Hospital in Major Trauma, Orthopaedics and Spinal Surgery.

As a voluntary aided Jewish faith school, admissions operate through a distinct process. Applications are coordinated through Manchester City Council, with the deadline for Year 7 entry in September 2026 falling on 31 October 2025. Offers are communicated on 2 March 2026, with families required to accept or decline by 16 March 2026.

The school uses its own admissions criteria, and a Supplementary Information Form is typically required for faith-based applications. Jewish faith schools generally prioritise candidates based on religious commitment, with categories often determined by synagogue membership, observance levels, and supporting documentation from rabbinical authorities. Families should contact the school directly or consult the published admissions policy to understand the specific criteria and evidence requirements.

With 234 applications for 107 Year 7 places in recent admissions rounds, the school is oversubscribed with approximately 2.2 applications per place. This demand reflects its position as the only Jewish secondary school in the Greater Manchester area and its strong academic reputation.

For sixth form entry, the school welcomes both internal progression and external applicants. Students typically study three A-level subjects, though some take four. Entry requirements vary by subject, and prospective students are advised to check they can achieve the necessary GCSE grades for their chosen courses.

Open days and Year 6 support programmes run annually for prospective families. The school typically holds information events in autumn, though specific dates for 2025-2026 are not published at the time of writing. Families should check the school website or contact the admissions team directly for current dates.

The inspection found that pupils are taught optimism about their futures and develop mutual respect for one another. The school has invested in wellbeing support, with mental health referenced as a priority area. A dedicated SEND Department produces annual Information Reports detailing provision for students with additional needs.

The settling-in programme for Year 7 helps new students adjust to secondary school life, recognising that the transition from primary school requires specific support. The house and unit structure provides smaller communities within the larger school, giving students a sense of belonging and accessible pastoral staff who know them individually.

Safeguarding arrangements were assessed during the 2023 inspection, though detailed findings were not highlighted as a concern. The school's website provides access to safeguarding policies and contact information for designated safeguarding leads.

The inspection noted that while behaviour is usually calm and orderly and serious misbehaviour is rare, there are inconsistencies in how staff apply behaviour policies. Some pupil disengagement goes unchallenged, and punctuality to lessons varies. These findings drove the Requires Improvement rating for behaviour and attitudes, and addressing them is a current priority for school leadership.

Extracurricular provision spans academic enrichment, sport, and the arts. Students participate in orchestra, basketball, and athletics, developing skills and independence beyond the classroom. The inspection specifically noted that these activities help pupils develop community involvement.

Academic societies extend learning beyond examination syllabi. The Debating Society builds argumentation and public speaking skills. The Medical Society prepares students for the competitive application process for medicine and dentistry. The Psychology Society explores topics beyond the A-level curriculum. Subject-specific enrichment like this gives students an edge in university applications and develops genuine intellectual curiosity.

A lecture programme runs in spring and summer terms, bringing external speakers to the school. Combined with the Extended Project Qualification, which can involve up to 5,000 words of independent research, academically ambitious students have routes to develop their interests beyond standard qualifications.

Work experience placements operate in Year 10 and Year 12, connecting classroom learning to career pathways. Careers support is aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, the national framework for good career guidance, ensuring systematic provision rather than ad hoc interventions.

Sport

Physical Education is compulsory through Key Stage 3 and available as an examined subject at GCSE and A-level. Basketball and athletics are highlighted extracurricular offerings, with the school participating in inter-school competitions. The campus includes sports facilities, though specific provision details are not published.

Creative Arts

Art, Drama, and Music are taught throughout Key Stage 3, with progression routes to GCSE and A-level. The orchestra represents the flagship musical ensemble, providing ensemble experience for instrumentalists. Drama develops performance skills and confidence, while Art offers studio-based creative development.

The sixth form provides a pathway from GCSE to university or employment within a familiar faith-based environment. Students typically study three A-level subjects, taught in small tuition groups that allow for more individualised attention than the main school years.

The subject range includes traditional academic disciplines alongside applied and vocational equivalents. Sciences, humanities, languages, and creative arts are all represented, allowing students to maintain specialist focus or continue with a broad programme.

University preparation is structured and starts early. All students have access to careers guidance, and those pursuing competitive courses receive targeted support. The Oxbridge programme includes campus visits, application workshops, and mock interviews. The Medical Society serves students targeting medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science. The Extended Project Qualification develops research skills valued by universities.

Results at 57% A*-B and 29% A*-A demonstrate solid outcomes that open doors to Russell Group universities and beyond. The sixth form is rated Good by Ofsted, reflecting effective teaching and student development even where other aspects of the school require improvement.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:30pm, with office hours from 8:30am to 4:40pm. The campus is located on Eaton Road in Crumpsall, north Manchester.

Transport links serve the school from across Greater Manchester. Transport for Greater Manchester provides specific guidance for King David High School on its schools travel pages, and the school's position in Crumpsall makes it accessible from both the Bury and Manchester city centre directions.

Faith commitment expected. The King David High School's Jewish character is genuine and pervasive. Modern Hebrew is compulsory at Key Stage 3, Religious Studies mandatory at GCSE, and the school calendar follows Jewish festivals. Families uncomfortable with daily Jewish education integrated throughout the curriculum should consider whether this environment matches their expectations. The school is designed for families who want faith to be central to their children's education, not merely present.

Behaviour inconsistencies being addressed. The 2023 Ofsted inspection rated behaviour and attitudes as Requires Improvement, noting that while serious misbehaviour is rare and the environment is usually calm and orderly, staff apply behaviour policies inconsistently. Some pupil disengagement goes unchallenged. The school is working to address these findings, but families should be aware this is an ongoing improvement area.

Competitive admissions. With 2.2 applications per place, securing entry is not guaranteed. Faith criteria typically prioritise families with demonstrable Jewish religious commitment, and a Supplementary Information Form providing evidence of observance is generally required. Families should understand the specific criteria well in advance of application.

Regional catchment. As the only Jewish secondary school in Greater Manchester, the school draws families from across the region. This can mean significant travel times for some students, particularly those living in southern or eastern parts of the conurbation. Parents should consider whether daily travel is sustainable over seven years.

The King David High School occupies a unique position in Greater Manchester as the only Jewish secondary school serving the region's substantial Jewish community. Academic results place it in the top 25% of schools in England at GCSE, with particularly strong value-added progress indicating effective teaching regardless of students' starting points. The sixth form maintains solid outcomes and provides a genuine pathway to leading universities, including Oxbridge.

The Requires Improvement rating reflects behaviour inconsistencies rather than fundamental weaknesses in teaching or leadership. Quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision are all rated Good. For families who want their children educated within an authentically Jewish environment, with Hebrew language, Religious Studies, and Jewish values woven throughout the curriculum, this is realistically the only state-funded option in the area.

Best suited to Jewish families in Greater Manchester who want faith integrated into daily education, strong academic outcomes, and a pathway from Year 7 through to university. The main challenge for most families is securing a place in a competitive admissions process that prioritises religious commitment.