The headteacher of a top Hampstead private school has resigned citing “professional reasons”.

Jenny Stephen will leave her position as headteacher of South Hampstead High School, in Maresfield Gardens, at the end of the academic year after eight years at the helm.

A statement, released by the exclusive all-girls school, said Mrs Stephen was leaving for “professional reasons,”.

It said: “Mrs Stephen hands over a school with very strong foundations. Since taking up the reigns eight years ago, she has taken the school from strength to strength.”

The Girls’ Day School Trust, which South Hampstead High School is part of, now begins the process of recruiting Mrs Stephen’s successor.

In a letter to parents, Mrs Stephen said: “I have the greatest possible love and affection for South Hampstead High School, its girls and its staff.

“I have no doubt that the Girls’ Day School Trust will appoint someone who will build on the school’s success, someone with the vision and values to ensure South Hampstead girls continue to excel.”