Rachel Fink, head of the Hasmonean Girls School for the past seven years, has been announced as the new headteacher of JFS.

A chemistry graduate from University College London, who holds a MA in Jewish studies from Kings College London, she is a former head girl of JFS.

Parents were told that Hasmonean’s rating as outstanding in every category at its last Ofsted inspection in 2012 reflected her success.

She will take over in the summer term in May next year. Until then, Simon Appleman, acting headteacher since last May, will continue in that role.

Earlier this week, it was announced that JFS' executive head Deborah Lipkin would be leaving the school at the end of the current term next week.

Mrs Fink spent 10 years in Israel where she taught science in a high school. 

She is also a graduate of Cambridge University's Co-Exist interfaith programme and has been a member of a  Partnerships for Jewish Schools' working party on mental health. 

Geraldine Fainer, chairman of governors and parent of a pupil, said that: “JFS is now ready for the next exciting phase in its remarkable history and the governors know that Rachel will ensure that the school goes from strength to strength.

"The advisers to the school considered over 100 potential applicants and Rachel emerged as the outstanding candidate for the position of headteacher. The governors now look forward to working with her as she leads the school to even greater success.”

Michael Goldstein, president of the United Synagogue, the denominational authority of JFS, said “The importance of JFS to our community cannot be overstated. As its foundation body, the United Synagogue has been fully committed to the thorough and rigorous recruitment process that has led to the appointment of Rachel Fink. She will be an enormous asset to the school.”

Andrew McClusky, executive headteacher of Hasmonean High School, said: “We are both happy and proud of Rachel’s appointment but this news is, of course, tinged with sadness as she has been a very significant part of Hasmonean’s recent history.

“Given just how much Rachel has achieved during her career at Hasmonean, we are not surprised that she now feels ready to take on a new challenge.

“Hasmonean has improved immeasurably under her leadership."