Anthony Wolfson, the head of Nancy Reuben, is stepping down at the end of term after six years in charge of the independent Sephardi primary in Hendon.

The head of Jewish studies, Rabbi Joshua Conway, will take the reins as acting head in the summer term.

Mr Wolfson was “a great head,” said chair of governors Sharon Kelaty. “Since he has been here, there have been massive changes in development and growth. It is sad to see him go.”

Mr Wolfson told the JC  he had made the decision last autumn that "after 21 years in substantive headship and now arguably one of the longest serving heads in Jewish education, the time was right for me to consider slowing the pace and perhaps look to use my skills and experiences in other areas of education and just enjoy doing a portfolio of things."

Nancy Reuben, he said, had "undergone a transformation and is now very well regarded. It really is in good shape and I'm immensely proud to have led that transformation. I'm sure I will remain part of the NRPS family in the future. Josh Conway is very capable and I'm sure he'll be great.

"The governors are retaining me on an ad hoc basis to help with anything they might need during the transition period whilst also doing other things too during the summer and I can get set up. " 

He was "exploring  various consultancy options which will give me a better work life balance and more flexibility".

Six months after his arrival as head in April 2017, the school restored its good Ofsted rating after a critical report three years earlier.

“The headteacher has led rapid improvement in the quality of teaching,” Ofsted said. “His actions have ensured that all the independent school standards are met and the school continues to improve.”