One of the longest-serving Jewish school chairs, Sue Nyman, is to step down at the end of this month after 11 years leading Yavneh College and the multi-academy trust which encompasses its related primary school.

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Sue Nyman

She will be succeeded be Jo Grose, the communities and strategy director of the United Synagogue.

Mrs Nyman, an accountant who in her day job is head of risk for the advisory practice of a leading law firm, Grant Thornton, has been involved with the college from its opening in 2006.

Only its second chair of governors in 15 years, she will remain a trustee of the trust. “I have been doing it long enough,” she said. “It is time for a new chair and we have found a very worthy new chair in Jo who’s been a trustee for getting on for a couple of years. She’s a parent at the school and is very engaged in the local community.”

Spencer Lewis, executive head of the two schools, said it was “ a great tribute” to Mrs Nyman to see the success of the schools.

Both the college and the primary, which opened five years ago, are rated outstanding by Ofsted.

“She is always supportive, keeps us on our toes and makes sure that everything is running smoothly,” he said. “That’s not easy to do in this day and age for so long. She is the person with the most energy I’ve met.”