Gateways, the programme for youth struggling in mainstream education which has been under the wing of JW3 for the past seven years, is to go independent.

Each year a hundred youth benefit from its bespoke educational and vocational courses as well as pastoral care with more than 500 helped since its launch.

JW3’s chief executive Raymond Simonson said, “We are proud of our many social action projects, like Gateways, our Food Bank services, year-round blood drives and more. We want to see them flourish, succeed and ultimately maximise the positive difference they make in the world.

“Sometimes this means making the strategic decision for a project to graduate out of JW3 and become independent. Gateways is an amazing success story and another great example of this.”

Lawrence Field, JW3 Gateways director said: “When I welcomed a handful of students into the first Gateways’ cohort eight years ago, I had no idea that the project would grow so large, or so fast.

“We will miss being part of JW3 once we move out in a year or so, but I am really excited for this next stage in Gateways’ growth.”

The commitment of JW3’s trustees, Mr Simonson’s mentorship and support from donors had “enabled us to dream bigger, reach higher, and impact the lives of so many more young people,” he said.

The programme was first piloted in 2014 at the London Jewish Cultural Centre, which later merged with JW3.

Demand has grown to the point that there is now a waiting list of 30 students a term. The plan is for Gateways to move into a new home and expand its services.

During the pandemic, JW3 continued to deliver the programme online before moving students back into its building.