Our history

Hertsmere Jewish Primary School opened with great fanfare in September 1999, in the company of Prince Philip and the then Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks. The school was officially named the “Joy and Stanley Cohen Hertsmere Jewish Primary School” as a mark of recognition of the generosity the couple showed in making the school a reality.

The opening of the school, with just 60 pupils, marked the culmination of many years of hard work by a dedicated steering committee who oversaw the development of the school building on the Watling Street site.

The school was borne out of the desire of the Orthodox communities in Hertfordshire to establish a Jewish primary school in the area. The aim from the outset was to meet the needs of local Jewish children in an environment that mixed first rate secular education with an environment of Orthodox practice and religious education.

Under the guidance of the first Headteacher, Mrs Michèle Bazak, the school quickly developed a reputation for excellence.  In 2010, Mr Steven Isaacs became the school’s second Headteacher.

After working at Hertsmere Jewish Primary School for over two years, Mrs Rita Alak-Levi was appointed Headteacher in 2019.  In our latest review, which took place in January 2023, HJPS was judged a calm and caring environment under her leadership, where pupils enjoy learning.  The reviewer agreed there is a strong focus on teaching and learning. Behaviour is excellent and reflected in all aspects of the school.  Our staff are proud of their school and the difference that they can make.