Specialist headteacher brought in to revive JFS to extend stay at the school

Debby Lipkin, the executive headteacher drafted in by JFS to restore its educational reputation last spring, has agreed to remain longer at the school than previously planned.

Parents were told by Ruth Renton, the chairman of governors, that Mrs Lipkin, who had led the school with “distinction and tireless dedication”, would stay beyond August this year.

In December, Ofsted inspectors awarded the school, in north-west London,  a “good” rating, following the shock of two years earlier when it was downgraded from an outstanding school to one requiring improvement.

Mrs Lipkin, a turnaround specialist, took over the reins in May with deputy head Simon Appleman moving to the role of acting headteacher.