About Yavneh College
Yavneh College is a state-funded Modern Orthodox Jewish secondary school and sixth form for boys and girls aged 11–18 in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. It is a state-funded academy — not an independent, fee-paying school — opened in 2006 to serve the area’s growing Jewish community, with the motto ‘A world built on kindness’.
A Modern Orthodox school that welcomes students from across the spectrum of Jewish practice, it is state-funded, so there are no fees and no academic entrance exam — admission is non-selective, with faith-based oversubscription criteria. It is a high-performing school with a strong reputation.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Yavneh College
Yavneh College Admissions Criteria
Yavneh College is a non-selective Jewish faith academy, so there is no academic entrance exam and no fees. As a Modern Orthodox school it welcomes children from across the spectrum of Jewish practice. Year 7 admission is coordinated through your home Local Authority, with faith-based oversubscription criteria; you complete the school’s Supplementary Information Form (with the required evidence of Jewish status and practice) alongside naming the school on your Local Authority’s Common Application Form.
- ✓Step 1 — Visit: Look round at an Open Day or arranged tour to get a feel for the school. This is not part of any selection process.
- ✓Step 2 — Apply through your Local Authority: List the school on your child’s secondary Common Application Form (CAF) through your home Local Authority by the national deadline of 31 October in Year 6. You do not register or pay a fee directly to the school.
- ✓Step 3 — Complete the school SIF and faith evidence: Complete and return the school’s Supplementary Information Form with the required evidence of Jewish status and practice by 31 October, so the governors can apply the faith-based oversubscription criteria.
- ✓Step 4 — Offers: Your Local Authority sends offers on National Offer Day (1 March of Year 6). Places are allocated against the published oversubscription criteria below.
- ✓Step 5 — Accept your place: Accept the offer through your Local Authority by the date given. There is no acceptance deposit — it is a state-funded school.
As a state-funded school there are no tuition fees. Support such as free school meals and pupil premium funding is available to eligible families — contact the school for details.
How Places Are Allocated at Yavneh College
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children, with priority to Jewish children.
- Children who meet the school’s Jewish religious-practice criteria, as set out in its faith-based admissions policy.
- Children of staff, and children with a sibling at the school on entry.
- Other children, with distance from the school used to prioritise within the criteria.
- See the school’s published admissions policy for the full criteria and the evidence required.
Admissions & Catchment for Yavneh College
Yavneh College is a non-selective faith school, so admission is by the published Jewish faith criteria rather than a test or fee, with distance applied within the criteria.
Confirm the current criteria, the evidence required and deadlines in the school’s admissions policy and the Hertfordshire admissions booklet before applying.
Academic Performance at Yavneh College (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Yavneh College is a high-performing, non-selective school, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted (and previously ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and Pikuach).
- GCSE: strong — in 2020 around 54% of grades were 9–7 and about 97% of pupils achieved grade 4+ in English and maths.
- A-Level: strong results in the sixth form, with most leavers progressing to university.
- Enrichment: a distinctive weekly Enrichment programme and a strong record of charity and community service.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Opened in 2006, Yavneh College is a state Modern Orthodox Jewish school for boys and girls aged 11–18 in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, built on the motto ‘A world built on kindness’ and a warm, inclusive ethos that welcomes the full spectrum of Jewish practice. Organised into Hebrew-named houses (Achva, Hoda’ah, Orah, Shalva and Yedidya), it combines Jewish education and values with strong academic ambition.
Co-curricular life is wide-ranging, with a distinctive weekly Enrichment programme spanning sport, music, art, drama, languages and more, alongside extensive charity and community work. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yavneh College
How do I apply to Yavneh College for Year 7?
Name the school on your home Local Authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October and complete the school’s Supplementary Information Form with the required evidence of Jewish status and practice, so the governors can apply the faith-based criteria.
Is there an entrance exam at Yavneh College?
No. It is a non-selective state school with no entrance exam; places are allocated on the published faith-based criteria, not by a test.
Do you have to be Jewish to attend?
It is a Modern Orthodox Jewish school whose oversubscription criteria are faith-based, but it welcomes children from across the spectrum of Jewish practice. The required evidence of Jewish status and practice is set out in its admissions policy.
How are places allocated if Yavneh is oversubscribed?
After looked-after children, priority follows the school’s Jewish religious-practice criteria, then siblings, with distance from the school used to prioritise within the criteria.
Does Yavneh College have a Sixth Form?
Yes — an 11–18 school with a sixth form, with most students progressing to university.
Are there fees at Yavneh College?
No. It is a state-funded school, so there are no tuition fees.
Independent Practice Papers for Yavneh College
Yavneh College is non-selective and does not set an 11+ entrance exam. Many families still use 11+ practice to strengthen core English and maths skills before secondary school — our Independent 11+ format papers are a useful general resource, with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
Building 11+ Skills for Yavneh College (General Practice)
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before secondary transfer. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.