JFS
94%
Capacity
2,040
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About JFS
JFS is a heavily oversubscribed state secondary in Brent, and the numbers tell a clear story about why. For entry in 2025/26, the school received 398 first-preference applications for 340 places, with an oversubscription ratio of 2.24, meaning more than two families wanted every spot. Of those first-preference applicants, 287 received offers, so competition is real. The school does not publish a parent-view survey score, but the demand alone signals strong local confidence. JFS is a Jewish faith school, which shapes its admissions criteria, and it draws from across the borough and beyond. With 2,040 pupils on roll against a capacity of 2,165, it is running very close to full, and only 5.5 per cent of students are eligible for free school meals, well below the national average, reflecting a relatively advantaged intake.
Academically, JFS is exceptional. Its Progress 8 score of 1.16 is rated well above average and ranks it 33rd nationally out of 3,141 schools, putting it in the top 1 per cent. In Brent, it sits third among 18 state secondaries, behind only Michaela Community School and Wembley High Technology College. The local authority average Progress 8 is 0.73, so JFS outperforms that by a considerable margin. At GCSE, 94.2 per cent of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths, and 80.3 per cent hit grade 5 or above. The EBacc average point score is 5.88, and 65 per cent of pupils entered the EBacc combination. At A-level, the school achieves a value-added score of 0.48, also well above average, with students averaging an A- grade per entry and 38 per cent achieving at least AAB.
The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022 rated it Good across all categories, including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership. This is a notable improvement from its previous inspection in 2021, when it was rated Inadequate overall. Facilities are strong: a sixth form centre, theatre, swimming pool, tennis courts, and science labs. There is a wide range of clubs including choir, debate, coding, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. JFS also lists SEND provision for dyslexia, autism, speech and language needs, and hearing or visual impairments, among others. For families who prioritise high academic outcomes and a faith-based environment, and who are prepared for a competitive admissions process, JFS is a compelling choice. Its size means a broad curriculum and strong sixth form, but the oversubscription means early and careful application is essential.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Jewish |
| Address | The Mall, Harrow, Brent, HA3 9TE |
| Headteacher | David Moody |
| Local Authority | Brent |
| Number of Pupils | 2,040 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 5.5% |
| School Capacity | 2,040 / 2,165 (94% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
4 Apr 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 16 Jun 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+1.16)
33rd of 3,141
Nationally
21st of 487
In London
4th of 13
In Brent
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
48.2
'22/23
47.5
'23/24
45.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Where school leavers go
2022/2369%
of A-level / Level 3 leavers go to higher education (cohort: 243 pupils).
Top-tier university progression
60%
Russell Group
61%
Top-third HE
6%
Oxford / Cambridge
Percentages of the whole cohort (not just HE-goers). Russell Group = 24 elite research universities. Top-third HE = top by mean UCAS tariff.
- University (HE)69%
- Employment11%
- Not sustained11%
- Further education1%
- Apprenticeship1%
Sources: DfE 16-18 destination measures (broad bucket); DfE KS5 student destinations file (Russell Group / top-third HE / Oxbridge). Level 3 cohort. “Sustained” means the pupil was in education, apprenticeship or employment for 6 months in the year following completion.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed340
762
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
398 families put this school as their 1st choice (52% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Class profile
2024/25Better than 75% of schools in England.
Better than 75% of schools in England.
Lower is generally better — fewer pupils per teacher or per class means more individual attention. Sources: DfE School Workforce Census & Schools, pupils and their characteristics, 2024/25.
Pupils & demographics
2024/25Lower-disadvantage intake compared to the national average (25%).
Above the national median (10%) — a meaningful share speak English as an additional language.
Ethnic background
- White British72.7%
- White (other)15.6%
- Mixed4.1%
- Asian0.3%
- Black0.1%
Source: DfE Schools, pupils and their characteristics (2024/25). Percentages may not sum to 100% — pupils classified as “unclassified”, “refused” or minor categories are not shown.
Attendance & Behaviour
2024/2575% of schools in England do better than this.
Half of schools in England do better than this.
Pupils missing 10% or more of sessions.
75% of schools in England do better than this.
A pupil temporarily sent home for behaviour.
Like most schools in England, no pupils were permanently excluded this year.
Ranks vs all state-funded schools in England. Source: DfE Pupil absence in schools & Suspensions and permanent exclusions.
Catchment & Local Competition
No catchment data published for this school
The dashed grey ring is a generic 1-mile reference area — it's not an admission boundary. Real catchment depends on year, demand, and council criteria. We currently have real data for about 6% of UK schools and are actively expanding the database.
⚠ This school is oversubscribed — without published cutoff data we can't show how far places reach. Check your council's admissions page.
Schools within 1 mile (reference area)
1 mile is a fixed reference, not this school's catchment.
14
Total schools
11
Oversubscribed
11
Primary
Don’t use the dashed grey ring as a catchment boundary — it’s a reference area for counting nearby schools only. Real admission boundaries depend on year-by-year demand and council criteria; ask the school or council for authoritative info.
Frequently Asked Questions About JFS
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
The Mall, Harrow
Brent, HA3 9TE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
