Where are they now?

What is your favourite memory from your time at JFS? My tutor group who were smart, funny, engaging and lifted my spirits daily.

Can you share a funny moment from your school days? The day my students spotted that I had accidentally put on one brown shoe and one

black shoe, and I spent the rest of the day trying to hide my feet.

Were there any teachers, mentors, or classmates who made a lasting impact on you? John Partridge was my inspirational Head of House and I was proud to be promoted to be his deputy. He taught me so much about how to be firm but fair, which I took with me into a teaching career of over 40 years.

What extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in, if any? I arranged Israeli dancing in the playground for Yom Ha’atzmaut.

What was a typical day like for you during your time at school? I had a busy timetable from Y7 to Y13 - early Fridays were particularly frantic. I remember teaching a challenging Y7r in the typing room with the head of department watching me from behind a glass, and the typewriters pinging

as the children fiddled with them!

What path did you take after graduating? After I left JFS, I took seven years off to be mum to my two boys, then went back into primary education. I became a SENCO, a Deputy and then Head - 18 years in two schools, the first a high-social-priority non-Jewish school, then 11 years at Akiva. I retired in 2019.

How did your experience at JFS shape your professional journey? It ignited my passion for the profession that I have loved for almost 50 years, and particularly for the family of Jewish schools which are such a jewel in the crown of our community.

What are you currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it? I now do consultancy with PaJeS, supporting Heads and Governors. I am also Chair of Governors at Yavneh College and vice-chair of the MAT board. I sit on the Steering Committee for Pikuach and I do observations of students in training for LSJS. I love all this work because it takes me into Jewish schools and I feel I am contributing to ensuring that they continue

to thrive.

What advice would you give to current students? Make the most of every opportunity that your school years offer.

What do you wish you had known when you were a student? That I am capable of much more than I believed.

What keeps you motivated and inspired in your daily life? Family and good friends.

Do you stay in touch with any of your classmates or teachers? I have not maintained close contact with colleagues from JFS but am always delighted to catch up with them if we meet.

Have you returned to visit the school since graduating? Yes both at Camden and Kenton.

What does being an Alum of JFS mean to you? JFS started me off on a journey which brought me success, joy and fulfilment, and I will always

be grateful.

Did your grandparents or parents go to JFS? My uncle, Alf Gilston was a student at the school in the 1920s after he arrived from Poland.

Did your Jewish journey at JFS impact your life? I loved the Jewish life of the school and it ignited a passion for Jewish schooling.

Did your JFS connections come in handy when networking? Yes, especially from my days as a Governor.

What is your favourite memory from your time at JFS? Being in the musicals – ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’, ‘Guys and Dolls’.

Can you share a funny moment from your school days? One teacher accused me of breaking a door down, (I hadn’t) and was required to write me a letter of apology.

Were there any teachers, mentors, or classmates who made a lasting impact on you? Lots! Mr Harris, who taught me about dramatic irony, my Form Tutors Mrs Carnegie and Mrs Joshua.

What extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in, if any? I was heavily involved in music: jazz band, senior choir, sixth form choir and more.

What path did you take after graduating? I went to university (Nottingham) for three years, then worked for a member of the Lords, then an animal welfare charity and now to my current job at the Antisemitism Policy Trust. I also did a post-graduate degree in Government, Politics and Public Policy.

How did your experience at JFS shape your professional journey? It fostered a strong Jewish identity which has been a core part of my

work and life ever since.

What are you currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it? I run a charity educating decision makers about antisemitism, I enjoy the breadth of the work.

What advice would you give to current students? Enjoy your time, it goes very fast. Find a hobby/love and pursue it.

What keeps you motivated and inspired in your daily life? My kids, and making a difference through my work.

Do you stay in touch with any of your classmates or teachers? Yes, I’m in contact with some of the people that were in my year, and have been in touch, occasionally, with ex- teachers.

Have you returned to visit the school since graduating? Yes, through work I’ve come to visit the new site.

What does being an Alum of JFS mean to you?

It’s being part of a wider community, with a shared experience and collective memory. It’s an identifier.

Did your grandparents or parents go to JFS?

My mum was a JFS teacher (before my time).

What is your favourite memory from your time at JFS? A wonderful ski trip to Switzerland with Mr & Mrs Felsenstein, and Mr & Mrs Webber.

Can you share a funny moment from your school days? There were lots of funny moments but the funniest was when Mr Riddick our history teacher gave out tiny pieces of paper for us to answer his history test. The test was double-fold; could you get 10 correct answers on a piece of paper slightly bigger than a postage stamp?!

Were there any teachers, mentors, or classmates who made a lasting impact on you? Mr Leigh, our Ivrit teacher, made the language come alive for me. I loved his lessons. Mr Webber, our art teacher, stretched our minds to embrace and appreciate music and history of art. I have remained in touch with many of my classmates, and we have met up regularly over the years.

What extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in, if any? I was JFS school representative for Task Force. This was run by Camden Council, we did lunchtime visits to elderly residential neighbours in Camden, I helped to organise Christmas parties and outings together with the Task Force team.

What was a typical day like for you during your time at school? I loved every minute at school. From the assembly to class registration, walking long distances from building to building. I loved the school lunches too. Sometimes we had a Zangwill pop-in at lunchtime, which was current pop music and very

popular. It was the 60s and there was a clothing and music revolution, which we were all part of.

How did your experience at JFS shape your professional journey? I was a very shy person when I started school and though I lived in Golders Green, my parents struggled to make ends meet. JFS gave me confidence and a wonderful social life. I left school ‘work-ready’ and was able to start working elsewhere as soon as I left school.

What are you currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it? At the age of 60 I founded my own charity, Goods For Good (Global). The humanitarian aid delivery programme I managed at World Jewish Relief came to a sudden end and I was determined to find a way to continue this lifeline of essential goods to vulnerable communities. I had visited so many communities and witnessed abject poverty, people lacking in clothing, footwear, needing everyday essentials. I couldn’t turn my back on these communities who were struggling. So, in 2014 I set up Goods For Good and since, we have delivered essential items to 30 countries, including the UK, Ukraine, Poland, Israel, Romania, and the Philippines, and also responded to global disasters. I enjoy helping others and making a difference; by delivering practical help, together with hope and dignity.

What advice would you give to current students? I would advise and encourage students to get involved in charity work. Volunteering is a great opportunity to see the world through a different lens and give time for something meaningful.

What keeps you motivated and inspired in your daily life? I ‘fell’ into the charity sector. It wasn’t a career plan. However, it was the best thing that happened to me. My work keeps me motivated and focused on helping those less privileged than me.

Do you stay in touch with any of your classmates or teachers? I have best friends that I have been in touch with for many years now, attending their weddings,

and their children’s weddings.

Have you returned to visit the school since graduating? I visited Camden before they redeveloped the site and it was very nostalgic. One of my friends actually has a brick from the old building! It was such a special place for me and so many others.

What does being an Alum of JFS mean to you? It means a lot to me to be in touch with old friends.

Did your grandparents or parents go to JFS? My father went to JFS in Bell Lane, with his siblings.

Would/did you send your child to JFS and why? My sons went to JFS in the early 90s when we came back over from Israel to the UK for a few years.

Did your Jewish journey at JFS impact your life? I married a student from JFS and we made aliyah with

our children. I think our Jewish education impacted that decision somewhat.

Any other comments? My sister joined the JFS to the 4th year the same year I did in 1964. She had been bullied by antisemitic students at her old school, and it was a great relief to her to join JFS.

What is your favourite memory from your time at JFS? Givat Washington, Swimming team and Synchronized Swimming.

Can you share a funny moment from your school days? Skiving off some sixth form periods to go to the Old Bailey and listen to the trials. Not really funny, but Mr Gatoff in assembly being really cross with the fire alarm going off constantly and not really knowing what to do about it. I felt quite bad for him.

Were there any teachers, mentors, or classmates who made a lasting impact on

you? Miss Magill (became Mrs Wineberg) in Maths - believed enough in me and encouraged me to do O level even though I wasn’t really good enough for the CSE! Mr Moses - just liked him. Mr Winkworth - Form Tutor for years. Miss Frey,

English teacher - always loved English from then on. Miss Olsberg - patient with me even though I talked through most of her lessons. Mr Partridge - throwing a board rubber at a boy in my class whilst shouting “You Boy!” scared the living

daylights out of me.

What extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in, if any? Swimming Club. Did the Bat Chayil Course with Mr Leviton and celebrated my Bat Mitzva in floral skirts and white blouses alongside 15 other girls on a Sunday afternoon, with the school hosting a tea for us and our families.

What was a typical day like for you during your time at school? Trying to find my classes and climbing lots and lots of staircases and walking down long, narrow corridors all over the school at Camden. I still have serious recurring nightmares about not getting to class on time.

What path did you take after graduating? I took a year off and worked to save some money, and then went to the USA where I was a nanny with a family and also travelled there. Then I went onto Manchester Polytechnic to study Business and Finance.

How did your experience at JFS shape your professional journey? 100% it brought me out of my shy primary school shell and helped me develop social skills. Since then I’ve managed to talk my way through my life journey to achieve whatever it is I am doing at any given period of time.

What are you currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it? Currently I am teaching English in an Israeli Democratic School in HaKfar Hayarok in Ramat Hasharon, Israel. I am also a doula and childbirth coach.

What advice would you give to current students? Find what interests you and pursue and delve deeper into those passions. Don’t fret too much about subjects that don’t hold the same interest.

What do you wish you had known when you were a student? That learning in a school environment (sitting in lessons, repeating dates & facts, and listening to strict educators) is not the only way to learn...

What keeps you motivated and inspired in your daily life? People. Everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, has a unique and fascinating story to tell.

Have you returned to visit the school since graduating? I was involved in the last reunion that Camden held before JFS moved to Kenton, and have since visited a number of times. Most recently when my daughter was on shlichut for three years in London via the IDF, as JFS hosted the Yom Hazikaron events for the Israelis in London.

What does being an Alum of JFS mean to you? Pride, connection, conversation starters - you can always tell a JFS student no matter how many years have passed since they’ve been there.

Did your Jewish journey at JFS impact your life? Not my Jewish journey, but I am sure that Givat Washington was a great influencer of why I now live in Israel.

Any other comments? I loved being at JFS. I’d had an awful primary school education where I was bullied (by teachers) and feared going to school. From day one I made friends at JFS and I loved all my years at the school.

Can you share a funny moment from your school days? On Kibbutz Lavi, I convinced one of my best friends to try something I knew was going to be incredibly spicy while we were being hosted by a local family. Seconds later, he had his head under the tap and was frantically wiping his face with the tablecloth, while the bemused family looked on. We couldn’t stop laughing!

Were there any teachers, mentors, or classmates who made a lasting impact on you? So many teachers made an impact, but two come to mind. Ms. Flood had a way of teaching history that made her classes feel more like stories than

lessons—everyone looked forward to them and the conversations we’d have. Mr. Pinto, who taught Physics, had a strict style but could never hide his sense of humour. He made science fun and approachable.

What was a typical day like for you during your time at school? I can just remember great times with friends (and the occasional lesson!).

What path did you take after graduating? After JFS, I went on to study International Relations and then Law, which somehow led me into the world of

Strategic Communications and Media Relations.

How did your experience at JFS shape your professional journey? I greatly benefited from the high level of teaching and the emphasis JFS placed not only on academic success but on extracurricular opportunities. JFS equipped me with life skills, and a strong academic base that has been crucial in my professional journey.

What are you currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it? Running a boutique tech PR agency. I truly enjoy that no day is the same. Working with the media is dynamic, and there is never a dull moment!

What advice would you give to current students? Enjoy it!

What do you wish you had known when you

were a student? A very clichéd answer – I wish I knew that everything doesn’t need to be figured out right away. It is okay to make mistakes and grow at

your own pace. Also, that some of the friendships you make will truly last a lifetime.

Do you stay in touch with any of your classmates or teachers? Yes, many of my closest friends are from JFS.

What does being an Alum of JFS mean to you? It means being part of a vibrant, accomplished community with shared values, memories, and experiences. There’s a strong sense of belonging and pride in knowing we all started our journeys from the same place.

Did your grandparents or parents go to JFS? Both my parents went to JFS. So did my great-grandfather!

Did your Jewish journey at JFS impact your life? Massively! JFS gave me a strong foundation in Jewish identity, values, and culture, which played a significant role in shaping the choices I made later in life. I made aliyah after university—a decision deeply influenced by the connection to Israel that

was fostered during Kibbutz Lavi and my time at JFS.

Did your JFS connections come in handy when networking? Yes definitely. One of the unique advantages of having gone to such a large school is the sheer number of alumni who are out there in virtually every industry—tech, media, law, finance, creative arts, you name it. Over the years, I’ve found myself bumping into fellow alumni in both professional and social settings, and those shared roots often create an instant sense of familiarityand trust. It’s made networking feel more natural and less transactional. Whether it is collaborating

on projects, finding new clients, or simply seeking advice, those connections have been incredibly helpful. In business, relationships and reputation are everything, and the JFS network has absolutely played a role in opening doors and making key introductions throughout my career.

What is your favourite memory from your time at JFS? Throughout my time at JFS I played saxophone and was part of the JFS Big Band. One of

our signature pieces was the Pink Panther theme, which we’d performed flawlessly during a Big Band concert. But when we played the same piece at a

full school assembly, it became something of an 80s JFS Legend, that people still bring up to this day. The evening performance had gone without a hitch, but in the school assembly, my sax had other ideas. It chose to squeak and squawk instead of playing the actual notes. I was mortified! Thankfully, my fellow musicians covered for me and the whole school loved it anyway.

Were there any teachers, mentors, or classmates who made a lasting impact on you? The two most memorable teachers from my time at JFS were in the subjects I loved most: Sports and Music. Toby Jacobs, known to many as the Head of the Photography Department, was actually part of the PE team back in the early 80s, alongside Mr Willis, Mr Winkworth & Mr McKewan. I spent the most time with Mr Jacobs because he ran a gymnastics club on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mr Jacobs was there to coach us and we often found ourselves chatting about music. David Berman, Head of Music, also had a big influence on me. I spent countless hours in the music rooms, taking saxophone lessons with an outstanding teacher named Jeremy Polmear.

What was a typical day like for you during your time at school? I grew up in Wembley, so getting to and from JFS in Camden was quite the daily trek. Our tutor group room was always a bit chaotic, full of noise and energy. I also vividly remember climbing what felt like endless stairs throughout the school day!

What path did you take after graduating? Although I had dreamed of a career in PE, I left school at 17 and joined the family business. After 26 years there, it was time to follow my dreams. I retrained as a Professional Sports Coach and

discovered a love for leading physical challenges and expeditions. I’ve been running my adventure tour company, PJS Adventures, for over 15 years. We lead groups on mountain climbs and treks around the world. I have one of the best jobs I could ever have wished for.

How did your experience at JFS shape your professional journey? My company specialises in creating unforgettable experiences for kosher and shomer shabbat travellers from around the world. During my time at school, I developed a deep love for Israel and a desire to help others achieve their

goals, without compromising their Jewish values. JFS taught me that the Jewish people are beautifully diverse, encompassing a wide range of ethnic

backgrounds, traditions, and levels of observance. The core mission of PJS Adventures is to offer once-in-a-lifetime journeys for Jews of all denominations,

experiences that many may have previously thought were out of reach due to religious considerations.

What are you currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it? In 2014, my wife and I made aliyah with our three children, Transitioning our North-West-London raised kids to Israeli schools was a challenge! Watching them go on to complete their military service in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, was incredibly stressful, but also one of the things I’m most proud of. I love being at home in

Israel, but at the same time, my company allows me to explore the world and connect with people from all walks of life. I get to visit places most people only

dream of.

What advice would you give to current students? Chase your dreams, not money. It often takes reaching middle age to truly understand what matters most in life. Doing work you love brings a deeper, lasting sense of fulfilment, far more than any job that simply pays the bills.

What do you wish you had known when you were a student? That Jews are an ethnic race first and religion second. No matter what your level of orthodoxy, we are one people and must stick together.

What does being an Alum of JFS mean to you? I’m very proud that I attended JFS. Whenever I meet a fellow Brit, I always mention I’m a JFS boy. Not many other Jewish schools have such a long and rich history, or are as well known.

Did your Jewish journey at JFS impact your life? Growing up in Wembley and attending Yavneh Jewish Primary School, I rarely encountered Jews who were different from me, everything changed when I went to JFS, it was there that I first realized how diverse the Jewish community is.