Ex-JFS head made new London School of Jewish Studies chief

Former JFS headteacher Jonathan Miller has re-emerged as the new director of London School of Jewish Studies, after his mysterious departure from the Kenton institution in May.

Miller’s move into teacher training and adult education was welcomed by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who is the president of LSJS, and by Rabbi David Meyer, who is director of Partnerships for Jewish Schools (PaJeS).

In April, JFS teachers and parents were stunned to hear that Miller had left the school, in what was first described as a “leave of absence,” before being confirmed as a resignation weeks later.

The circumstances are still unclear, but a highly critical Ofsted inspection in 2014 took the school from ‘outstanding’ (Grade 1) to ‘requires improvement’ (Grade 3), slamming the school’s leadership, noting deficiencies in behaviour, safety, fairness, attendance, progress monitoring and policy review.

This week Mirvis said Miller’s “impressive experience in the field of education will enable LSJS to further develop what it has come to be known for: professional teacher training, inspiring lifelong learning and rigorous academic study for our community”.

LSJS chair of directors Prof. Anthony Warrens said the college would be “strengthened by a leader with such depth of experience in Jewish education”.

Miller said: “This is a very exciting time to join LSJS and I am thrilled to be able to apply my experience and passion for Jewish Education to this superb organisation at the heart of the community.”