New Immanuel College governors' chair Dr Sara Levene is well aware of what the Bushey school has to offer. Her daughter Dodie, a medical student at Imperial College, was Immanuel's head girl in 2007/08. Her son Harry sits his GCSEs at Immanuel this year.

A medical and special needs recruitment adviser for the Metropolitan Police, Dr Levene has also served the Child Accident Prevention Trust and the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths.

Previously a Hasmonean Primary governor, she sees Immanuel as a school "able to support academic high achievers".

It built on pupils' strengths "and provides unrivalled pastoral support".

Among her goals are improved Jewish studies facilities and a wider choice of exams.