Mill Hill School has appointed David Benson as its new Head from January 2024. David joins from the award-winning Kensington Aldridge Academy (KAA), which he has led since September 2013, to replace Jane Sanchez, who is moving to another role within The Mill Hill School Foundation.

As the founding Principal of KAA, David has overseen the huge progress of the academy, leading the Department for Education to place KAA in the top 5% of schools in the country.

Having been educated at St. Paul’s, David qualified from the Teach First programme, and will make the move from his recent role in the state sector to the independent sector after 10 years at the academy, when the school had one year group. He has overseen the growth of the academy to a community of 1,300 pupils and 180 staff.

As a result, David was named as one of the 10 most influential people in education by the Times Education Supplement in 2018. David is also a published author on educational issues, with one of his own publications on curriculum planning currently included on PGCE courses.

Mr Benson has previously written for the national media, highlighting the potential benefits of building on the current partnerships that exist between private and state schools, focusing on the all-important objective of supporting pupils.

On his appointment, David Benson said:

“I am very excited to start my new role at Mill Hill School. I certainly saw during my visits to Mill Hill why it enjoys a reputation as a leading London independent school. I am looking forward to building on the many academic and pastoral strengths Mill Hill has, and helping to ensure all our pupils have the best possible start in life.”

“So many aspects of this role attracted me, but chief among them was the chance to work with such a committed community of staff, parents, pupils and Old Millhillians, as well as the other leaders in the Foundation.”

Antony Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Mill Hill Foundation, said:

“David’s passion for education was clear to see throughout the recruitment process. His success at Kensington Aldridge Academy speaks for itself, from the growth of the number of pupils and staff over his 10 years to the high achieving A-level grades and the number of pupils accepted into universities.

“His reputation for successfully fostering professional development to support teaching and learning was a key factor in making our decision. We were looking for someone who could continue and develop the brilliant job Jane Sanchez has started as she moves into another role within The Foundation. We are thrilled David has chosen to join the school and we are all excited for him to make his mark.”

David already has experience of the private sector, holding a current role as Governor of Latymer Upper School, where he has taken an active role in managing partnerships between the state and independent sector. We are looking forward to welcoming David into the Mill Hill family in January 2024.