Rabbi Jonathan Spector, headteacher of Beit Shvidler Primary School in Edgware, has transformed its fortunes in less than two years since taking office, restoring its Ofsted status as a good school.

Rabbi Spector, who became head in the summer term 2017 shortly after Ofsted said the state-aided primary was a school that “requires improvement”, led his team with “passion and purpose”, inspectors said after a return visit.

Beit Shvidler’s new leadership team had established an “ethos of high expectations within a caring and inclusive environment”, where teachers’ strong knowledge of their subjects enabled pupils to gain in most, Ofsted said.

Inspectors noted high standards in reading, writing and maths, and said that previously identified gaps had been addressed.

Previous shortcomings in the use of extra funds for disadvantaged children or those with special needs had also been tackled, enabling them to “make the same good progress as their peers”.

Daniel Wynne, Beit Shvidler’s chair of governors, said they were “extremely proud to see that the hard work of Rabbi Spector, the senior leadership team and all of the staff has been recognised by Ofsted’s good assessment of our school”.

Respect and consideration for others was at “the core” of a broad and stimulating curriculum where pupils had “plentiful opportunities to develop their understanding of different cultures and faiths”.

Pupils contributed “actively to making the school a better place. They told inspectors that the school is a ‘great community’, where everyone cares for each other, ‘especially if someone is feeling sad’”.

While most parents were pleased, a few remained dissatisfied and Ofsted advised the school to communicate better with them.