Two Leeds Jewish schools are the first in the UK to receive Yael Foundation funding.
Leeds Jewish Free School (LJFS) and Brodetsky Primary School have made history, becoming the first schools in the UK to be awarded major funding from the Yael Foundation.
The Yael Foundation, known globally for supporting Jewish educational excellence and strengthening community-based learning, works with schools to elevate Jewish studies, Hebrew language teaching, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) provision. Its mission centres on empowering schools with resources, training, and long-term strategic investment that builds high quality, thriving learning environments. Following a rigorous application and collaboration process, LJFS and Brodetsky Primary have secured funding to enhance Jewish education, ensuring children in Leeds receive an enriched, future focused learning experience grounded in Jewish values and community identity.
The funding will be used to strengthen Jewish learning, expand STEM opportunities, and further uplift Hebrew teaching across both schools. The initiative is designed not only to ensure Brodetsky remains the number one choice for Jewish families, but also to create a seamless educational journey where Brodetsky pupils confidently progress into LJFS.
Executive Head Teacher of both schools, Charlie Kelsey, celebrated the announcement: “This partnership represents an extraordinary moment in the history of Jewish education in Leeds. The foundation’s belief in our vision allows us to expand our ambition, strengthen the quality of teaching, and ensure every child benefits from world class learning rooted in our community’s values.”
Sagi Yechezkel, Head of School at LJFS, added: “Our students deserve the very best and this investment allows us to provide exactly that. The support enables us to enrich our curriculum, deepen our Jewish studies, and offer cutting edge opportunities in science and technology. This is a proud moment for our staff, students, and the entire community.”
Governors from both schools have also expressed strong support, praising the collaborative work that has taken place to secure this opportunity. They emphasised their commitment to leading the schools into a bold future with passion and a shared focus on educational excellence.
