Former chief inspector of schools Sir Michael Wilshaw has returned to school leadership, taking up the post of interim head at a school in north-west London.

Sir Michael, 74, who was Ofsted chief inspector between 2012 and 2016, has taken up the post of interim executive principal at JFS, a Jewish mixed comprehensive school in Kenton.

The former head of head of Mossbourne Community Academy, in Hackney, and also of St Bonaventure’s Catholic school, in Forest Gate, returned to the classroom for the first time in 15 years last year when he answered a call from a former colleague to do some supply teaching after an entire history department was forced to self-isolate.

Sir Michael Wilshaw: Covid sent me back to teaching, after 15 years

Leadership: School leaders are ‘lone heroes’, says Wilshaw

Wilshaw: Williamson must take the rap for getting it wrong

Sir Michael said: “I was a teacher for 43 years - you don’t suddenly lose it, do you? It’s a bit like riding a bike.”

Former Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw back as a headteacher

In a letter to parents on Monday, JFS governors’ chair Andrew Moss wrote that the school’s former headteacher had “decided to step down” and acknowledged her service to the school over three years “and the enormity of the challenges presented during the Covid pandemic”, the Jewish Chronicle reported.

Sir Michael is said to have met students on Monday.

He is being supported by Dame Joan McVittie, also a former London school head, safeguarding expert and senior Ofsted inspector.

The letter sent to parents, seen by Tes today, also states: “I am delighted to announce that Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s former chief inspector of schools and former headteacher of Mossbourne Academy, has agreed to be interim executive principal for the remainder of this term. He will be supported by Dame Joan McVittie, a former London Headteacher, safeguarding expert and a senior Ofsted inspector. 

“Dr Oliver Walton and Mrs Anna Joseph from the school’s senior leadership team are also taking lead supporting roles.

“Parents and carers will have a chance to meet Sir Michael, Dame Joan and the team at a special online meeting, the details of which will be circulated shortly. We appreciate that changes of this nature cause concern. We have full confidence in this team along with the entire staff body to deliver the educational priorities and to maintain the Jewish ethos of the school.”