All-round Kerem rated excellent by inspectors

NAOMI SIMON, the new headteacher of Kerem School in Hampstead Garden Suburb, has been welcomed with a glowing report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

It rated the private primary excellent in all areas, praising “articulate, confident” pupils with “an advanced sense of moral understanding”.

Academically, pupils achieved well, including those with special educational needs and English as an additional language, and were successful in gaining places at secondary schools of their choice.

“All pupils demonstrate high levels of motivation and enthusiasm, as they readily seek chances to undertake different levels of challenges,” ISI said.

Music, sport, art and drama were also excellent, especially given the size of the school. Pupils enjoyed high-quality coaching in a good range of clubs.

Inspectors said children were “hugely supportive” of each other and showed “considerable sensitivity to those less fortunate than themselves.” Ms Simon, a former deputy head who was interim head for three months until being appointed permanently last month, said she was “proud to be the new headteacher and excited to work with such a dedicated team of staff working alongside the parents and families”.

Samantha Leek QC, who became chairman of governors last September, said, “We are incredibly proud of the outcome of the inspection but will not rest on our laurels. We are committed to building upon the successes that we have enjoyed to date and to improving still further all aspects of provision at the school.”

Children show considerable sensitivity to those less fortunate’