King David Primary School, Manchester has been rated outstanding in all areas for Jewish studies by the Board of Deputies-run inspection service Pikuach.

The top grade complements last year’s retention of its outstanding ranking by Ofsted, making it one of the few Jewish schools to enjoy the status for both its religious and general education.

A larger than average primary with 430 pupils, it provides “an excellent positive learning environment” enhanced by “beautifully presented displays” showcasing children’s work.

Pupils “talk about their learning with enthusiasm and can recall many meaningful experiences provided by the school in lessons,” Pikuach said.

One year-six child told the inspector, “I like it here because we learn about being a light amongst the nations and when I move on to secondary school what I learn here will always be on my mind.”

A parent said that her daughter couldn’t “wait to sing the songs at home and tell us about the festivals that are coming up. She’s also better at Hebrew reading now than I am and she is only 6!”

King David team: headteacher Stacey Rosenberg (back row left) with head of Jewish studies Rayna Glickman; (middle Chen Salomon, Marion Saurymper (JS teachers) Yael Zegze; and (front) Perez Tabor and Esther Levy (JS) Middle row - Chen Salomon, Marion Saurymper (both JS teachers) Yael Zegze (Ivrit teacher) Front- Perez Tabor and Esther Levy (both JS teachers) Front- Perez Tabor and Esther Levy (both JS teachers)

Pupils “showed confidence in their Hebrew reading and were able to participate in their Ivrit lessons and also to transfer these skills into their Jewish studies and tefillot (prayers),” PIkuach reported.

As part of the school’s emphasis on the value of “love your neighbour as yourself”, every week pupils had the chance to nominate one of their peers for a special award recognising this.

Key stage two pupils used their own siddur, whose cover they could decorate with their own messages. “Many of these messages were prayers for peace and showed a love of Israel,” Pikuach said.

One year-6 pupil revealed that although she had been disappointed not to receive the Taylor Swift concert tickets she had prayed for, her prayers nevertheless helped her to have hope.

The inspector was impressed to see that a child with severe special educational needs who had one-to-one assistance was able to “name several alef- bet letters, sing songs and join with tefillah”.

Jewish studies head Rayna Glickman was praised as “an exemplary role model in her pedagogy and her commitment to the Jewish personal and spiritual development of the school community”.

Headteacher Stacey Rosenberg described Mrs Glickman as “a wonderful, dedicated professional. All staff across the school work together to make the school run smoothly and it’s a very warm and happy working environment, where the children thrive and reach their full potential.”