A Jewish primary school that was set up by parents is celebrating after qualifying for state funding.

Morasha Jewish Primary School in Finchley will receive support from Barnet Borough Council from April 1 following the authority’s vote in favour of the application on Monday.

Morasha was initially set up as an independent school by six families from Finchley United Synagogue in September 2008.

Over the past five years it has expanded from just eight pupils to a total of 111.

Cabinet member for education Councillor Andrew Harper said: "There’s no doubt in my mind that the addition of Morasha will enhance the education we offer in this borough. I think this will be a very good result for the school and the council."

The school is due to move out of its temporary premises in Moss Hall Grove and Finchley Synagogue into a new facility in Stanhope Road.

Chairman of governors Jason Marantz led the application. He said: "I’m very grateful to Barnet Council for their continuing support. I would also like to pay tribute to the school’s trustees, governing body, staff and families who believed in Morasha when it opened and as it has grown. None of this would have been possible without the community’s support."