THE headteacher of the borough’s only cross-denominational Jewish secondary school will next week tell parents of prospective pupils that it aims to achieve some of the best results in the country.

The Jewish Community Secondary School (JCoSS), which is being built next to East Barnet Upper School, in Westbrook Crescent, East Barnet, is holding two open days, one on Sunday and another on October 1. Sunday’s talks will be at 2pm and 4pm.

In his first interview with the Times Series, Jeremy Stowe-Lindner, 35, set out his academic vision for the school, which is due to open next September for the first 180 Year 7 pupils.

It will stagger entry until it has places for 1,310 students by 2017.

The Hendon resident said: “We’ve set ourselves a target of being in the top ten per cent nationally of progressing children’s academic achievement.

“This is a very challenging target, given we will have a number of children in the special resources provision [there will be 50 children aged 11 to 19 with learning disabilities], which many schools would shirk at because of the potential impact on results.”

JCoSS aims to push boundaries schools have traditionally set. There will be few staff offices as teachers will be encouraged to work where they can be seen, and all curriculums will be available for both parents and students to view online.

The six-form entry £50 million school — the most expensive school of its size ever built in the UK — will feature science labs (it aims to specialise in science and technology), drama and sports halls, all-weather pitches, computer suites and wireless internet connection.

JCoSS is expected to appeal to parents wanting a school that is not tied to one denomination within the Jewish community.

But Mr Stowe-Lindner maintains that all students will feel comfortable there — the kitchens will be kosher, the school will observe the Sabbath and will close early on winter Fridays and before Jewish festivals.

Until the Court of Appeal ruling in June, all Jewish secondary schools in Barnet admitted pupils on the basis of whether a child’s mother was Jewish.

These schools are now reviewing their admissions policy.

JCoSS is seeking clarification on its policy, which is to give priority to children whose parents are or could be members of a “recognised synagogal body”, including those pupils whose father is Jewish, followed by non-Jewish pupils.

Mr Stowe-Lindner added that a social action co-ordinator will be appointed to develop links with other schools.

He said: “This is not a gated community we’re building. This is bringing a Jewish school to the area which wants to work with the community around it.

“That’s an outstanding vision for a faith school.

“We’re confident in what we do, but we want to work with you and learn from you. What could be better?”