A flurry of new pupils has continued the rise of the Radlett and Bushey Reform Synagogue religion school.

"Five years ago, it was decreasing in size, with only 70 children attending," a shul spokesman recalled. "There were even discussions about winding it up. Yet this month, the school has launched two-form entry across its infants' years in order to cater for the swelling numbers of children in years one and two. There are now more than 140 children across seven year groups."

Contributing factors included the fun, informal approach of a lively interactive curriculum. More than 20 teenagers have signed up to assist in the classrooms as part of a leadership training programme.