Campaigners for a new, modern Orthodox primary school in Borehamwood and Elstree have applied to the government for funding.
They are one of 14 applicants to the Department for Education who hope to be part of a new wave of voluntary-aided faith schools - and the only Jewish bid.
For several years, new state-aided faith schools have generally had to take the free school route. But free schools can allocate only 50 per cent of their places according to religion, whereas voluntary-aided schools have full control over admissions.
The government had previously suggested it would relax admissions on restrictions for free schools, but instead offered to support the opening of a number of new voluntary-aided schools. They will have to be entirely new projects, not private schools looking to enter the state sector.
Supoprters of the new Jewish school have said they want to cater in particular for religious families setting in the area.
The three existing state-aided Jewish primaries in Hertfordshire are oversubscribed.
In addition, the DfE is considering an application for a new Jewish secondary free school in Hertfordshire.
