The Senior Leadership Team
Headteacher
Dr David Moody
David joined JFS in December 2021 having previously been a Regional Director for Academies Enterprise Trust and overseeing the running of ten secondary schools. Prior to this he was Headteacher for five years at Harris Battersea which, under his leadership, rose from ‘Special Measures’ to ‘Outstanding’ and became one of the top-performing state schools in the country. David has a Masters in Natural Science from Churchill College, Cambridge and a PhD in Organic Chemistry.
Deputy Headteacher
Anna Joseph
Anna joined JFS in September 2017 and in 2018 became Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning. Prior to this, she was the Professional Development Co-ordinator and KS5 Co-ordinator for English. She has also been employed as Director of Sixth form and Head of English across two schools. She studied English and History at Lancaster University achieving a BA Honours degree. She attained her PGCE at Leeds University. Anna is responsible for the quality of education at JFS.
Director of Safeguarding
Gita Patel
Gita has been a teacher of Science at JFS since 2007. She is passionate about pastoral care for students and in particular ensuring that our most vulnerable students are supported to achieve their full potential. Her previous roles include Head of Year, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Attendance Lead. Gita has completed a BSc in Biology at Royal Holloway, University of London and a PGCE at Kings College London.
Director of SEND
Gillian Edwards
Gillian joined JFS in September 2022. Prior to this she was the SEND Advisory Team Leader for schools and SEND Support Team Manager for Brent. She was also the SENCO for a mainstream school in Brent.
Co-Director of Jewish Life and Learning
Abi Keene
Abi joined JFS in September 2009 she has held various positions in the Jewish Studies department, including KS4 coordinator and Deputy Head. She has a Bsc Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Manchester. In her current role as Director of Jewish Life and Learning, Abi is responsible for upholding the school's Jewish ethos and works with all departments to ensure Jewish values as captured by the school's motto of Orah Vayikar - Light and Honour - are embedded throughout the formal and informal curriculum and all aspects of school life.
Co-Director of Jewish Life
Rabbi Danny Baigel
Danny joined JFS in September 2024. Prior to this he oversaw the teacher training programme at the London School of Jewish Studies and was the Director of Jewish Life and Learning in his previous school. He studied at UCL, Yeshivat Har Etzion and received semicha from Yeshiva Keter HaTorah. With a Masters in Jewish Education and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development, Danny is excited to develop and champion the Jewish journey for the JFS community.
Director of Personal Development
Geoff Peddie
Geoff joined JFS in September 2003 having previously worked at William Ellis school, Camden and Beal High School, Redbridge. Geoff originally joined as Head of Years 12 and 13 but, like Dr Who, Geoff has regenerated many times as Head of English, Assistant Head teacher for inclusion, Director of Key Stage three and most recently Director of Personal Development. Geoff has been a teacher of English and has examined both GCSE and A level.
Director of Sixth Form
Ella Buckle
Ella joined JFS in 2013 as a PE Teacher and became a Head of Year (Sixth Form) in 2016. After 2 stints as Acting Head of Sixth Form, Ella was appointed Director of Sixth Form in September 2022. Ella is passionate about ensuring students leave JFS not just with the qualifications they are capable of, but as kind young adults ready for the demands of the modern 21st Century.
Director of Behaviour
Raynn Bruce
Raynn joined JFS in September 2003 having previously played rugby professionally in both South Africa and France. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Higher Diploma of Education from the University of Cape Town. Raynn is a passionate Chemistry teacher who has held a number of senior positions within the school such as Key Stage Co-ordinator for Science, Director of Studies and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Director of Academic Outcomes
Hinal Bhudia
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Director of Data and Timetable
Dr Jonathan Wakelin
Jonathan joined JFS in September 1997 and has held various positions including Head of Physics, Year Manager, Director of Studies and Director of Systems Development. He has a D Phil degree and a BSc Honours degree in Physics both from the University of Sussex. He attained his PGCE at the University of Southampton. He became Associate Assistant Headteacher in September 2021 with responsibility for data and school systems.
Director of KS5 Safeguarding
Lelanie Grobler
Lelanie joined JFS as a maths and psychology teacher in 2007, having previously taught in South Africa. She was appointed as the Head of Psychology in 2015 and as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in 2018. Lelanie completed her Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in psychology at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and achieved her PGCE in English and Maths with a distinction and Dean’s Commendation. Lelanie has an avid interest in the psychology of adolescence and the development of thinking.
Director of Key Stage 4
Dan Bartram
Dan Bartram joined JFS in 2008 as a teacher of PE. He worked as Careers Education Coordinator before becoming Subject Leader for PE in 2013. He completed a PGCE in Physical Education at Middlesex University before achieving a Masters in Teaching at the Institute of Education. Dan was the founding Contingent Commander of the school's CCF, receiving an award for his contribution to the Jewish armed forces community.
Director of Data Development
Oli Waring
Oliver joined JFS In 2019 as a Computer Science teacher and after a year became Subject Lead for Computer Science. Since then, the subject has seen a large growth of student numbers for KS4 and KS5 and the curriculum has been restructured to the modern world of computer programming. Oliver uses his programming knowledge to help reduce teacher workload and improve the systems within the school.