Senior Deputy Head – St Benedict’s School

The Senior Deputy Head will be the Headmaster, Joe Smith’s, “right hand” and will work in exceptionally close partnership with him on operational and strategic matters.

For September 2026

St Benedict’s is a leading independent co-educational Catholic school situated in leafy Ealing, West London, offering the distinct advantage of a seamless education from Nursery through to Sixth Form, within one supportive, values-driven community. With a roll of 1150 pupils, the school is thriving and RS Academics is delighted to support St Benedict’s in appointing their next Senior Deputy Head to succeed Luke Ramsden as he moves to headship after ten highly successful years at the School.

This is a pivotal appointment. The Senior Deputy Head will oversee the day‑to‑day running of the Senior School and will play a key role in formulating and implementing the strategic direction of the whole School across academic, pastoral and co‑curricular areas. The post‑holder will also hold whole‑school responsibility for staff development and wellbeing.

This role is well suited to a high‑performing professional who is keen to move to headship within a few years. The successful individual will be a self‑motivated, optimistic candidate, who enjoys challenging and reviewing the status quo, asking questions and striving for improvement.

Inspirational teaching, strong tutorial guidance and exceptional pastoral care lie at the heart of the education provided by St Benedict’s, whose aim is to nurture confident, independent young people who are well prepared for each stage of their educational journey—whether transitioning to Senior School, embarking on Sixth Form study, progressing to university or moving into the world beyond school.

A St Benedict’s education can be summarised thus: academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care, and a community where every child can thrive. If this sounds like an environment you would enjoy being part of, whilst having the ability to contribute to the flourishing of its community and continued success, you are encouraged to have an initial confidential conversation with one of the RS Academics search consultants handling this appointment.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am on Thursday 26th February 2026.

Applications should be made electronically to RS Academics. To submit your application, please click on "Apply Now" and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit the following (both in PDF format):

• a completed application form
• a covering letter addressed to Mr Joe Smith, Headmaster. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at:  . Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on  791.

N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.

• St Benedict’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
• The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
• RS Academics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am UK time on Thursday 26th February 2026.

Preliminary interviews will take place with RS Academics on Monday 2nd, Tuesday 3rd or Wednesday 4th March via MS Teams

Long List interviews with a panel will take place at the School on either Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th or Thursday 12th March.

Short List interviews will take place at the School on Monday 23rd or Tuesday 24th March.