Beis Yaakov High School Review 2026: Academic Strength and Orthodox Jewish Values

Beis Yaakov High School serves the Orthodox Jewish community in Salford with a clear dual focus on high academic achievement and deep religious commitment. The school provides a secondary education for girls aged 11 to 16, currently accommodating approximately 285 students at its Higher Broughton campus. Academic results are a defining feature; the 2024 GCSE outcomes place it in the top 25% of schools in England.

The leadership structure is currently led by Mrs C Klein, who serves as the Menaheles (Principal), and Mr Benjamin Myers, the Associate Headteacher. The school operates as a state funded voluntary aided academy under Salford City Council. Its intake is drawn primarily from local Jewish families who seek an environment where secular studies and religious instruction are held in equal regard.

The atmosphere at Beis Yaakov is defined by its Orthodox Jewish character, which is pervasive and intentional. The school day begins with prayer, and the calendar is structured around the Jewish year, with festivals and fast days observed as central community events. Modesty, respect, and service are the foundational values that govern student behaviour and social interactions.

The building on Broom Lane provides a purposeful environment for learning, though the school operates slightly above its capacity of 275. Students move through the school with a sense of order and focus. The 2024 Ofsted report noted that newly introduced systems for behaviour have significantly improved the school atmosphere and culture. Students are described as attentive and enthusiastic in their approach to learning.

Pupils are encouraged to develop a strong sense of identity. The school aims to produce graduates who are both academically capable and deeply rooted in their heritage. This dual identity is reinforced through the staff, many of whom are members of the same community and serve as role models.

Academic performance at Beis Yaakov is consistently strong, particularly in core subjects. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 55.4, which is significantly higher than the England average of 46.2. This score reflects the total achievement across eight subjects, including English, mathematics, and science.

Ranked 1,089th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the top 25% of all secondary schools nationally. Locally, it ranks 2nd among secondary providers in Salford, a testament to the high expectations set for students.

The Progress 8 score of +0.89 is particularly impressive. This figure indicates that students at Beis Yaakov make nearly a full grade more progress across their subjects than pupils of similar ability in other schools across England. This high value added measure suggests that the teaching and learning environment is effective at pushing students toward their full potential.

The curriculum at Beis Yaakov is divided between National Curriculum subjects and Kodesh (Jewish Studies). In the secular stream, there is a heavy emphasis on English, mathematics, and the sciences. While only 18.2% of pupils achieved the full English Baccalaureate (EBacc) at grade 5 or above, the average EBacc APS score was 4.95, which sits above the England average of 4.08.

Teaching is structured and disciplined. Teachers have strong subject knowledge, though recent inspections identified that in a small number of subjects, the curriculum is newly introduced and needs further embedding. The school provides specialist support for students with additional needs, ensuring that pupils across the ability spectrum are supported in reaching high academic benchmarks.

The Kodesh curriculum is extensive, covering Tanach, Halacha, and Jewish History. These studies are not merely academic but are designed to provide the ethical and spiritual framework that students will carry into their adult lives.

Extracurricular life is primarily focused on community service, religious enrichment, and traditional school activities. Students participate in Chesed (acts of kindness) programs, which might involve visiting the elderly in the Salford area or organising charity events for local Jewish organisations.

The school offers a range of clubs including choir, art, and drama, which culminate in annual school performances. These events are for women and girls only, in accordance with religious laws of Tzniut (modesty). STEM activities are also encouraged, with science clubs and mathematics challenges providing a competitive outlet for students.

Admissions are coordinated through Salford City Council, though the school applies its own faith based criteria as a Voluntary Aided school. Beis Yaakov is consistently oversubscribed. For the most recent intake period, there were 70 applications for just 41 available places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.71.

Priority is given to girls from Orthodox Jewish families who meet the religious requirements. Families are often required to provide a religious reference to confirm their adherence to Orthodox standards. Because demand exceeds capacity, families living outside the immediate Higher Broughton area may find it more difficult to secure a place if they do not meet the highest priority criteria.

Pastoral care is deeply integrated with the religious ethos. The Beis Yaakov movement is globally recognised for its focus on the moral and personal development of Jewish girls. Students are supported by a network of form tutors and senior staff who monitor both academic progress and personal wellbeing.

Behaviour at the school is strong. A 2024 inspection confirmed that the newly introduced behaviour systems have positively impacted the culture. The school small size allows for a close knit community where staff know the students and their family backgrounds well, providing a safety net of support.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state funded academy, Beis Yaakov High School does not charge tuition fees. It is free for all eligible students. Financial support for school trips, uniforms, or other educational costs may be available for families meeting specific low income criteria through the school pupil premium funding or local community charities. Families should contact the school office directly for information on financial assistance for non tuition costs.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 4:00pm, though hours may vary on Fridays to accommodate the early start of the Sabbath during winter months. There is no on site nursery provision. Travel to the school is largely local, with many students walking from the surrounding Higher Broughton and Prestwich areas.

• Religious Commitment Required: The school Orthodox Jewish character is fundamental and pervasive. Daily prayer, strict modesty codes, and adherence to Jewish law are mandatory.
• Oversubscribed Entry: With 1.71 applications for every place, Beis Yaakov is highly competitive. Families should ensure they meet the religious criteria precisely and submit all supplementary forms on time.
• Requires Improvement Rating: The October 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the school as Requires Improvement across all categories. While academic results are high, inspectors identified that some subjects have underdeveloped curricula and that pupils need a broader understanding of diversity and the wider world.
• Single Sex Environment: As a girls only school, the social and educational environment is tailored specifically to young women.

Beis Yaakov High School is an academic powerhouse that successfully balances the demands of the National Curriculum with the requirements of an Orthodox Jewish life. Its Progress 8 score of +0.89 is exceptional, ensuring that students make significant gains during their five years on site. Best suited to Orthodox Jewish families who prioritise both high level GCSE outcomes and a traditional, values based upbringing.