The Senior Leadership Team

Dr David Moody

Headteacher

Headteacher

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.

Mrs Anna Joseph

Deputy Headteacher

Director of Curriculum

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. In her new role, she will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Teaching and Learning throughout the School and ensuring the effective dissemination of good practice in order to support student progress.

Miss Gita Patel

Assistant Headteacher

Director of Safeguarding

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.

Mrs Gillian Edwards

Assistant Headteacher

Director of SEND

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.

Mrs Abi Keene

Assistant Headteacher

Director of Jewish Life and Learning

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.

Mr Geoff Peddie

Assistant Headteacher

Director of Personal Development

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. Many ask Geoff why he has been at JFS so long - "perhaps a lack of imagination, but I have laughed every day and there is still a thrill when the lightbulb moment occurs".

Miss Ella Buckle

Assistant Headteacher

Director of Sixth Form

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.

Mr Raynn Bruce

Assistant Headteacher

Director of Behaviour

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.

Mrs Hinal Bhudia

Assistant Headteacher

Director of Improving Academic Outcomes

Hinal has worked at schools in Harrow and Brent as a Head of Mathematics and as a Senior Leader for more than 10 years. She studied Mathematics and Economics at Queen Mary, University of London. She also has a PGCE and a Master’s degree. Outside of school, Hinal is a Women Ed London Network lead and a DFE Women Leading in Education coach and has delivered at several national conferences.

Dr Jonathan Wakelin

Assistant Headteacher

Director of Data and Timetable

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.

Miss Lelanie Grobler

Assistant Headteacher

Director of KS5 Safeguarding and Independent Study

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.

Mr Dan Bartram

Assistant Headteacher

Director of KS4

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. He is now Associate Assistant Headteacher for KS4 as well as the Contingent Commander of the JFS Combined Cadet Force.

Mr Oliver Waring

Assistant Headteacher

Director of Data Development

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.

Miss Charlotte Rigby

Assistant Headteacher

Director of KS3 (Maternity)

Charlotte joined JFS in September 2019 as Head of Year and joined the Senior Leadership Team in October 2021. Prior to that, Charlotte was Head of KS3 at a Sikh school in Slough. Charlotte studied a combined honours degree in Physical Education and Geography from Liverpool Hope University, before completing her PGCE in Physical Education.

Mrs Nikki Arnold

Assistant Headteacher

Director of KS3

Nikki joined JFS in September 2017 as an English teacher and a Head of Year. In 2020, she became Head of English and is now also leading on rewards across the school. Nikki has a BA(hons) degree from Northumbria University. After moving to London, she completed her PGCE and an MA in Education.

Photographs by Benj Gilbert Year 13 (BA Press & Editorial Photography Falmouth University)