Hertsmere’s MP has offered his support to a project which could see a new Jewish primary school built in Borehamwood.

Oliver Dowden welcomed Rebecca Schapira and Samuel Franklin, two of the leaders of the New Borehamwood & Elstree Jewish Primary School Initiative, to Westminster, where they discussed the prospect of a new faith school.

Borehamwood already has one Jewish school in the town – Yavneh College – which also has a primary school.

After discussing the group’s plans for a new school and their progress so far, Mr Dowden said: “It is vital that if our community grows we have the infrastructure to match it. Borehamwood has seen significant new development over recent years and we must build new schools to match, including a new faith school.

“I have been campaigning for more and better school places constantly since being elected and that’s why I am pleased to give my support to this project.”

Mr Dowden will also be writing to express his support formally ahead of the group’s bids for funding from the Department for Education. The next stage will be to agree a viable site for the school with Hertsmere Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

The possible faith school is separate to a primary school which has been given outline planning permission on land next to Hertswood Academy.