David Benson

Mill Hill School has appointed David Benson as its new head from January next year, replacing Jane Sanchez who is moving to another role within The Mill Hill School Foundation.

Mill Hill is a co-educational school for boys and girls aged 13 to 18 in Northwest London. offering day, weekly and full boarding.

Benson joins from Kensington Aldridge Academy, where he has been the founding principal since September 2013.

Having been educated at St. Paul’s, Benson qualified from the Teach First programme and is making the move from 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 its current total of 1,300 pupils and 180 staff.

Benson was named as one of the 10 most influential people in education by the Times Education Supplement in 2018. He is also a published author on educational issues, with one of his own publications on curriculum planning currently included on PGCE courses. He has written for the national media, highlighting the potential benefits of building on the current partnerships that exist between private and state schools.

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 of The Mill Hill School 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.”

Benson has experience of the private sector as a governor of Latymer Upper School, where he has helped manage partnerships between the state and independent sector.

The current head of Mill Hill School, Sanchez, has been part of the Mill Hill Staff for the past 20 years, including as head for the past five years.