The deputy head of Yavneh College in Borehamwood is leaving to head a new academy school in Essex.

Matthew Slater joined Yavneh in 2005, a year before it opened, and has been instrumental in overseeing most of the building work that has transformed it into a state-of-the-art school.

He is leaving at the end of this term to become principal of Drapers’ Academy in Harold Hill, a project similar to Yavneh in that the new school will be developed from existing buildings.

“I have had a wonderful experience working at Yavneh and within the community,” said Mr Slater, 40. “I felt very welcome in the community. I will be sad to leave but the opportunity is just too great.”

His departure will also end a long association with Yavneh head Dr Dena Coleman, with whom he worked at both Hasmonean High in Hendon and Bushey Meads in Borehamwood. Governors’ chair Malcolm Gordon said: “Mr Slater has been an integral part of creating this school and is held in high esteem by staff, parents and pupils.”