Staff and students at King Solomon High School held a farewell party for out-going headteacher Spencer Lewis yesterday.

Mr Lewis has worked at the specialist Jewish school, in Forest Road, Barkingside, for 19 years and has been head since 2007.

He is leaving at the end of term to start a new job leading Yavneh College in Hertfordshire.

More than 200 people, including ex-pupils and members of the wider Jewish community, attended Sunday's event, which included a "This is Your K.S. Life" show featuring tributes to Mr Lewis.

A spokeswoman for the school said: "Through his commitment to only the highest standards, in teaching and learning, he has inspired an ethos of excellence throughout the school. 

"In addition of the highest importance has been his role in furthering an understanding and love of Judaism among the entire student body."

Mr Lewis said following the event: "I would like to thank the governors for a tremendous send off.

"King Solomon is a wonderful school in a special community which has a very exciting future. I wish the school every success in the years to come."

Mr Lewis's replacement has not been revealed by the school.

There have been reports that controversial 'superhead' Jo Shuter is being lined up for the role.

She was named the country's best headteacher in 2007 for her work at the Quintin Kynaston Academy in St John's Wood, but then resigned after being criticised for "inappropriately" using cash meant for pupils.

King Solomon High School has refused to deny it is considering her for a role at the school but said it would announce any news about its future "to all stakeholders simultaneously".

Ms Shuter herself previously denied to the Camden New Journal newspaper about being in “specific talks about headship” at King Solomon High.