The United Synagogue has published new guidelines for entry to Jewish schools in 2024.

In order to gain priority for places, applicants have to complete a Certificate of Religious Practice (CRP) by acquiring points for synagogue attendance, volunteering or educational activities.

During the height of the pandemic, the rules were altered to allow participation in digital events to count towards entry requirements.

But with the return to more normal in-person activity, the system has been tweaked again.

Most schools using the US certificate require four points, but some six.

A child can attain four points for attending synagogue on Shabbat for eight weeks after Pesach, either on Friday night or Saturday morning. Four visits will earn two points.

Before they try to collect points, families should register in advance with the synagogue they want to attend. (Some do not offer a Friday night option). Attendance on festivals will not count.

Alternatively, applicants can pick up two points for attending educational events six times over a specified period and a further two for 12 volunteering sessions. Two points are also available for attending all six sessions of the Tribe CRP course, which is being run at a number of centres.

Each child will need their own CRP even if a brother or sister has completed one before.