THE original headteacher of a Radlett primary school is set to retire after 11 years in the post.

Michele Bazak was employed as headteacher of Hertsmere Jewish Primary School in 1998, before the school opened in early 1999.

She will officially retire at the end of the school year.

As one of the first on board Mrs Bazak has seen the school, in Watling Road, expand from just 60 pupils to 480 pupils and 75 staff.

She said: “It has been such a wonderful opportunity to be part of the development of the primary school.

“Not many people get a privilege like that.

“Our pupils are wonderful, they all respect the ethics of the school and become part of the society we've built here.”

Jonathan Arkush recruited Mrs Bazak when the school first opened.

He said: “Michele Bazak has been an outstanding headteacher and a wonderful role model to her staff and pupils.

“With every passing day our initial decision to recruit as the first head teacher of the school has been justified.”

As a testament to the success of the relationship built up with the children, several parents and some of the staff are ex-pupils themselves.

Mrs Bazak, who will have been teaching for 40 years this summer, added: “My staff are wonderful and I've been privileged to have worked with some excellent governors.

“I just felt now was the right time to retire, I'm looking forward to spending some more time with my 94-year-old mother and my grandchildren.”