Etz Chaim, the Jewish primary in Mill Hill opening in September under the government's free schools initiative, has announced its first headteachers.

The appointments are Yvonne Baron, deputy head of Hertsmere Jewish Primary, and Sharon Mullish, assistant head at the same school. They will start in May.

Governors' chair Adam Dawson said: "They are exceptional school leaders who will provide innovative, inspiring and an entrepreneurial educational approach."

In a joint statement, the heads said: "The freedom afforded to free schools will enable them to design and implement a fresh and modern approach to learning, encompassing traditional classroom work with plenty of opportunities outside and in the wider community."

Mill Hill Synagogue's Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet will be the school's principal.

Mr Dawson also confirmed that a permanent site had been secured at former commercial premises on Daws Lane.