Karen Cohen will switch Hertfordshire schools in January to take up the headship of pluralist primary Clore Shalom, which has operated under interim leadership for the past 10 months.
Although Mrs Cohen began her teaching career at Clore Shalom in 2001, she moved on to work at other Jewish schools and is currently deputy head at Hertsmere Jewish Primary. She has also worked as a consultant, advising schools on improvement strategies.
In 2015, Ofsted inspectors reported that Clore Shalom "requires improvement" in leadership, teaching, pupil achievement and early years provision.
"Clore Shalom has always held a special place in my heart and I'm thrilled to be returning to the place where my professional journey started," Mrs Cohen said.
"I look forward to leading the school in this new chapter and working with the whole school community."
Vice-chair Katie Adams said the school had been through "an unsettling time. Although we have received excellent support from Herts for Learning and the interim leaders, Clore Shalom requires the right substantive headteacher. We are confident this appointment will put an end to the period of instability."
Simon Ezequiel, chair of the governing body, said the appointment panel had been unanimous in its decision. "We are exceptionally grateful that, having started her career at Clore Shalom over 15 years ago, Mrs Cohen is returning to help us."
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