Addressing parents at Wednesday's prizegiving, Primary School chair of governors Lauren Lesin-Davis said: "We will create a brand-new state-of-the-art facility which will provide healthy and nutritious choices affordable for all."

The new kitchens will be capable of supplying more than 1,200 meals a day for the High School, Primary School and kindergarten.

To ensure the kashrut of the new school, packed lunches will be banned.

Mrs Lesin-Davis pledged that KD's Jewish ethos would be at the heart of the new campus and stronger ties will be forged with the community through extra-curricular and family programmes.

She gave special thanks to Rabbi Aaron Balkany, who is leaving for a new post in Miami after 11 years at the school, and thanked him and his Jewish education team for their work.

In her first head teacher's report, Rachel Rick described the past year as "one of the most challenging, stressful, interesting and happiest of my life".

She said the school continued to achieve academic standards well above the national average and had also enjoyed a "fantastic" sports year.

What pleased her most was not the success of the school teams but the way in which they supported and encouraged each other during matches.

Mrs Rick praised the charitable efforts of her pupils and the support of the PTA. She also had kind words for her predecessor Liz Spencer who was among the guests, adding: "She was always at the end of a 'phone with advice - when not at some exotic location!"

TOP WINNER: President's Cup winner Grace Galloway receives her trophy from guest of honour Pru Leith

Guest of honour Pru Leith told pupils not to give up the healthy eating habits instilled by the school when they move on to secondary education.

She said: "You will be mixing with older pupils who will tell you its not cool to like vegetables and will encourage you to go with them to buy chips.

"Be brave and say 'I like veg, why should I change?' "

She also advised them to demand that their new school teaches them how to cook.

Mrs Leith said: "It's your educational right and it's also enormous fun."

She told parents to involve their children in preparing meals, saying "let them stir the pot and not just lay the table".

Ms Leith presented the prizes with the coveted President's Cup going to Grace Galloway.

The Hebrew Cup and Shield were won by Melissa Cantor and Lauren Miller respectively.

There were performances by the school orchestra and school choir and votes of thanks were given by Rishi Banerjee and trophy winner Grace.