Moriah Jewish Day School has appointed Judy Lethbridge as its new head, replacing Alan Shaw, who is moving to the top job at Hasmonean Primary for the next academic year.

Informing parents of the decision, governors’ chair Alan Capper wrote that the school had wanted “to recruit a head who would drive the school forward.

“We hope that Mrs Lethbridge will place us firmly on the path towards raising our Ofsted rating from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’. Her track record at her last three schools demonstrates her capability to raise standards for all pupils.”

He added that Mrs Lethbridge, a Pinner Synagogue member, was “keen to enrich the inclusive and tolerant religious ethos of which we are so proud. We all believe she has the vision, ambition and ability to make a difference.”