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Strategic Plan

2025 - 2030

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

We are delighted to share with you our new 2025-2030 strategic plan for St Benedict’s School, EalingFirst Steps. To provide the inspiration for this new strategy we looked to our school motto: A Minimis Incipe - From the Smallest Beginnings. We passionately believe that the greatest and most fulfilling journeys begin with a single step, be it a Nursery pupil venturing through the school gate on her first day, a Year 7 pupil creating his first tentative notes on a new musical instrument, or a Sixth Former excitedly entering the first lesson of a new A level course that leads to a university course and a lifelong academic passion. Our mission at St Benedict’s is both to enable our young people to take these first steps with confidence and joy, and to accompany them at every stage of their journeys.

In order to do this, we believe that we have to do two things. Firstly, we need to equip our students with the knowledge and aptitudes which they will need in the rapidly changing world that they will encounter when they leave school. This means, for example, enabling them to har ness the incredible powers of digital technology and artificial intelligence to their benefit - and that of the society they will live in.

Secondly, we need to make sure that our students leave St Benedict’s deeply grounded in a set of values that are enduring and unchanging, and which will equip them with the tools to navigate the complex ethical and moral environments of university, the workplace and wider global society. As a Catholic, Benedictine school, we are fortunate to have a 1500-year-old ethos upon which to develop these values: an ethos built around enduring principles of stability, balance, sustainability, hospitality and service. We believe that these principles can provide value and purpose to every single member of our school community - staff, governors, parents, alumni and - most importantly, of course - students.

In 2027 we will celebrate the school’s 125th birthday. Much has changed both within and beyond the school in that time, but we share this strategy with you as a statement of our vision of our intention to secure the success of St Benedict’s School for the next 125 years as an academically rich, pastorally outstanding, holistic Catholic school for young people of all faiths and none. We look forward to sharing the first steps of this journey with you.

Joe Smith

Mike Davis

Headmaster Chair of Governors

Lao Tzu

History of the School

St Benedict’s School has taken many purposeful steps since its foundation by the Benedictine monks of Ealing Abbey in 1902. What began as a small boys’ boarding school has steadily journeyed forward, becoming London’s leading independent Catholic co-educational school. Along the way, St Benedict’s has welcomed both girls and boys from all backgrounds, growing into a thriving and inclusive community. Each phase of the school’s development has been shaped by our enduring Benedictine values of love, service and academic excellence, ensuring that academic ambition is always balanced by care and community.

The story of St Benedict’s is written not only in the lives of its students but also in its evolving campus. From our original home beside Ealing Abbey, the school has expanded thoughtfully, blending historic architecture with purpose-built classrooms, specialist science and technology centres, a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, and outstanding facilities for sport and the performing arts. Every new building and programme reflects our commitment to both tradition and innovation, creating an inspiring environment where every student is encouraged to take the next step and flourish.

In 2019, St Benedict’s expanded its reach by acquiring St Bernard’s Preparatory School in Slough, a well-regarded Catholic prep school known for its warm, nurturing environment and strong academic foundation. The school continues to thrive as part of the St Benedict’s family, offering younger pupils an excellent start to their educational journey within a faith-centred setting.

Today, St Benedict’s stands as a pillar of educational excellence, blending a rich heritage with a forwardlooking vision. We prepare young people not only to take their place in the world but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

“It’s a school where everyone feels welcome, no matter their background.”

Student, Year 12

School Mission

St Benedict’s aims to be an outstanding coeducational Catholic school, offering an excellent all-round education and encouraging principled leadership.

St Benedict’s aspires to the highest possible academic standards. Pupils are motivated to be independent learners, inspired to be active participants in their learning and achieve excellent academic results, thereby enabling them to secure places at top universities and colleges.

St Benedict’s seeks to recognise the gifts and talents of everyone in our community, where all can explore and develop their full potential from the smallest beginnings (a minimis incipe). High quality pastoral care and an excellent programme of co-curricular activities support personal development. There are many opportunities for service and leadership, in the religious life of the school and in the activities we offer - from sports to performing arts, and outdoor pursuits, among many others.

St Benedict’s has at its core the Rule of St Benedict. This means that, as a Christian community, we work to:

• Show love and forgiveness

• Offer mutual service within the school and in the wider community Understand the importance of stability in relationships

• Have the humility to listen and show thoughtful obedience

• Live with the discipline of a daily routine with regular times for prayer and reflection

• Show care for those we live and work with, as well as a sense of stewardship of the environment

“In assemblies and lessons, leaders use the Rule of St Benedict to give clear messages about moral choices and tolerance. As a result, pupils show high levels of respect for each other, including those of different gender, backgrounds or beliefs.”

ISI Inspection Report 2024

Our St Benedict’s ‘House Style’

In keeping with the Benedictine emphasis on warmth of interactions and of hospitality, our approach and tone in all our interactions – in person and in writing - will be notable for being:

• Warm

• Authentic

• Sincere

• Professional

• Upbeat and optimistic

• Modern and outward-looking

• Transparent and clear

• Open

• Confident

• Relaxed

A Listening School

“Listen...”

So begins the Rule of St Benedict, one of the main sources of inspiration for our school. Like St Benedict, we believe that listening is a vital and powerful act. Careful, sensitive, and thoughtful listening helps us understand others and their perspectives, which in turn nurtures a culture of respect and empathy.

Listening also helps us grow and improve. As a school, we strive to be genuinely open to feedback — including constructive criticism — and to treat it as a gift that enables us to become better.

This commitment to listening is central to who we are. We aim to place people before processes — however necessary those processes may be — and we work hard to ensure that feedback is met with openness rather than defensiveness. While not every suggestion can result in immediate change, we promise that every response will be thoughtful, respectful, and rooted in clear reasoning.

“The school really listens to students and takes their views into account.”

Student, Year 13

Academic Steps

Our academic strategy is focused on embedding High Performance Learning (HPL) within the school’s culture and practice. This model aligns seamlessly with our Benedictine values, emphasizing that every young person has the potential to be a high performer. By integrating HPL into lesson activities and schemes of work, we aim to boost student confidence, independent learning, and self-identification of improvement strategies. These initial steps will lead us to achieve world-class school status by 2026.

Maintaining strong performance in public examinations is a cornerstone of our strategy. We will continue to support excellence and individual achievement through targeted interventions, quality first teaching, and parental engagement. Regular results review meetings and departmental revision clinics will ensure that each step of the way, our students are prepared for exam success.

Addressing the national trend of lower boys’ performance at GCSE, we will implement strategies to make learning more accessible and relevant for boys, particularly in writing-intensive subjects. By motivating boys through active learning and study skills training, we anticipate improved GCSE results and a reduction in the gender gap in public exam performance. Each step we take will help boys to climb higher and achieve their full potential.

To promote equal opportunities, we aim to increase the number of girls taking STEM subjects. Through STEM enrichment programs, female role models, and targeted marketing, we will encourage more girls to take their first steps towards pursuing STEM courses at both GCSE and A level.

Our ‘futures’ provision will continue to develop, preparing students for competitive university applications, degree apprenticeships, and overseas opportunities. By offering dedicated support and resources, we will guide students every step of the way, ensuring successful placements and interview success rates.

Additionally, we will conduct a comprehensive curriculum review in the senior school to ensure that what our students learn equips them for their steps beyond school. This review will focus on aligning the curriculum with the skills and knowledge required for success in higher education and the rapidly changing global landscape.

To facilitate a smooth transition from St Benedict’s Junior School to the senior school, we will remove the 11+ exams for our Junior School pupils. This change will allow for a seamless progression and create opportunities for even more exciting and engaging learning experiences in Years 5 and 6, fostering a love for learning and intellectual curiosity from the earliest stages.

Finally, we will facilitate effective decision-making for A level subject choices through U5 consultations and L6 work experience programs, ensuring students are well-prepared for their academic futures.

With these strategic actions, we are committed to nurturing the academic potential of every student at St Benedict’s School, ensuring their success in an ever-changing world.

Each step we take together will build a solid foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.

“The teachers here really care and want to help students succeed.”

Student, Year 11

Pastoral & Spiritual Steps

Our pastoral strategy at St Benedict’s School, is designed to foster spiritual and personal growth, ensuring that every student feels supported and valued as they take their first steps through their educational journey.

Developing the Role of the Tutor

Central to our Benedictine ethos, the role of the tutor is pivotal in fostering a caring and aspirational community. Tutors will be provided with time for form-time prayer and mentoring sessions, CPD on Benedictine values, and pastoral care. By reinforcing the Benedictine value of community and shared responsibility, we aim to increase student participation in spiritual activities and improve their overall well-being and academic engagement. Regular coordination meetings and training on effective collaboration practices will ensure consistency across all forms.

Developing Student Voice

We are committed to fostering active student involvement by listening to their concerns and incorporating their feedback into the life of the school. Heads of Year, the Pastoral Team, and Senior Leadership will engage students through focus groups and student council meetings, updating the PSHE course to reflect their input. This will lead to positive survey responses on feeling heard and increased student engagement in feedback processes.

Enhancing Communication Between Home and School

Effective communication between home and school is essential for resolving issues and fostering a supportive environment. We will strengthen this communication by ensuring regular updates and utilizing digital platforms for easier communication. This will help us act as a bridge for effective collaboration, leading to positive feedback from parents and a higher resolution rate for issues raised.

Developing Our PSHE Curriculum

Developing Our Inclusion and Diversity Strategy

Celebrating diverse cultural backgrounds and fostering respect and inclusivity are central to our mission. We will expand cultural awareness and celebration events, ensuring compliance with the Equality Act and incorporating global perspectives into our policies and practices. Heads of Year, the PSHE Coordinator, and the Assemblies Team will plan and budget for these events, leading to increased student awareness and appreciation of diversity.

Our PSHE curriculum will support British values and our Benedictine ethos, preparing students for life beyond school. The Head of PSHE, DSL, and Form Tutors will implement a comprehensive curriculum, with budget allocations for external resources and time for tutor training. Regular reviews and feedback from surveys and focus groups will ensure consistent delivery and high student engagement. Additionally, we will align the curriculum with evolving interests, incorporating practical life lessons such as budgeting and other essential skills.

By taking these strategic steps, we are committed to nurturing the pastoral care and personal growth of every student at St Benedict’s School. Each initiative will build a solid foundation for spiritual, emotional, and social development, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of life beyond school.

St Benedict’s will be a brand leader in innovative, sensitive, thoughtful and, above all, effective pastoral care.

“(the Abbot)...must so arrange everything that the strong have something to yearn for and the weak nothing to run from.”

While today we might not use the terms ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ in this way, the principle holds strong: all members of the school community will be respected and treated with dignity. When difficulties or problems occur, they will be addressed sensitively yet courageously.

The Rule of St Benedict: Chapter 64 - The Election of the Abbot

Our co-curricular strategy is designed to enrich the educational experience of our students, providing them with opportunities to explore their interests, develop their talents, and take confident steps towards personal growth and achievement.

Music Programme Enhancements

To support our music program, we plan to acquire a high-quality concert grand piano, such as a Steinway or Yamaha C Series, which will serve as a centrepiece for performances, practice, and teaching. This investment will enhance the quality of our music program and support advanced students in recitals, concerts, and ensemble performances. Additionally, we will protect time for orchestra rehearsals throughout term time, ensuring that students can perform music of a higher standard with regular and full attendance. Securing a dedicated rehearsal space will avoid the constant moving of furniture, providing students with a stable and inspiring environment for their musical development.

CCF Programme Enhancements

Drama Programme Enhancements

We aim to increase U4 involvement in school productions and house drama, fostering leadership, planning, and performance skills. By offering mutual service within the school and the wider community, we will expand the number of students engaged in drama. CPD sessions will be provided to stress the value of drama skills, ensuring at least one member of staff is involved in each house drama and school production. This will enhance the quality of our drama program and increase staff participation, making rehearsals more effective and collaborative. We also aim to embed Drama in the taught curriculum for all students in Years 7-9.

To increase U4 participation in the CCF, we will ensure that all Year 9 pupils undertake a service activity on Mondays, such as CCF, DofE, or community service. We will also increase staff participation in the CCF by offering CPD sessions to highlight the value of CCF experience and leadership skills. Our goal is to increase the number of St Benedict’s BS cadets from the current 20-30 to 40-50 per annum and ensure that at least three members of staff are involved in CCF activities. The CCF re-launch will emphasize the benefits of cocurricular activities, aligning them with HPL descriptors.

“A school that truly allows students to develop outside the classroom.”

Clubs & Societies Enhancements

We will increase the number of pupil-led clubs, fostering leadership and service within the school community. Encouraging greater teacher participation in clubs will ensure a diverse range of activities and support for students. Collecting feedback from pupils will help us assess the range and effectiveness of the program, allowing us to make informed decisions and improvements. By listening to and acting on student feedback, we will ensure that our co-curricular activities remain relevant and engaging.

Duke of Edinburgh Programme Enhancements

We will develop a list of volunteering opportunities within the local community for students, particularly in years 9 and 10, to access. This will help students develop attributes and experience needed for university and employment applications. Additionally, we will increase the number of students participating in the DofE program and improve the quality of evidence they produce. By developing an online template and engaging parental support, we will ensure that students actively record and upload evidence, stretching their skills and talents.

“We get so many opportunities to take part in different activities outside of lessons.”

Parent, Year 7

Student, Year 12

“There’s something for everyone, whether it’s sport, drama, or music.”

Student, Year 12

General Enhancements

Sport Strategy Enhancements

Our sport strategy aims to provide a comprehensive and inclusive sports program that encourages physical fitness, teamwork, and personal development.

We will:

• Expand Sports Participation: Increase the number of students participating in various sports by offering a wider range of activities and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage in physical exercise.

• Enhance Facilities and Equipment: Invest in high-quality sports facilities and equipment to support training and competitions. This includes maintaining existing infrastructure and exploring opportunities for new developments.

• Develop Coaching and CPD: Provide ongoing professional development for sports coaches and staff to ensure they are equipped with the latest techniques and knowledge. This will improve the quality of coaching and support student-athletes in achieving their full potential.

• Promote Competitive and Recreational Sports: Balance competitive sports with recreational activities to cater to all skill levels and interests. Encourage participation in inter-school competitions and local leagues, as well as offering intramural sports and fitness programs.

• Foster a Healthy Lifestyle: Promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle through education and practical opportunities. This includes integrating physical education with lessons on nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being.

By taking these strategic steps, we are committed to enriching the co-curricular experience of every student at St Benedict’s School. Each initiative will build a solid foundation for personal growth, leadership, and service, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of life beyond school.

At St Benedict’s, we are committed to taking thoughtful and confident digital steps to ensure that every member of our community is equipped for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Laying the Groundwork

We have already taken important steps by embedding data analysis into our pastoral systems, improving student wellbeing, attendance, and behaviour. Real-time wellbeing check-ins and anonymised data have strengthened our ability to support students and engage families. Training for staff and students in ethical and effective AI use has set us on the right path, ensuring a shared understanding of responsible digital practice.

1. Enhancing Pastoral Care Through AI

We will take the next step by deepening our use of AI in pastoral care, using predictive analysis and sentiment tracking to identify early signs of disengagement or vulnerability. These tools will help us respond swiftly and compassionately, ensuring every student feels seen and supported on their journey.

2. Strengthening Staff Support and Reducing Administrative Burden

We will continue our journey by automating routine tasks and generating clear, actionable insights, giving staff more time to focus on the core of their work—supporting students. Secure, school-wide AI tools will help colleagues move forward with confidence and efficiency.

3. Developing AI Use in the Classroom

We are taking further steps to integrate AI meaningfully into teaching and learning. Staff will have access to digital tools for lesson planning, feedback, and assessment, enabling more personalised learning experiences. Ongoing training will ensure that every colleague feels equipped to take these steps alongside their students.

4. Supporting Student Work Beyond the Classroom

We will expand opportunities for students to use AI in prep, independent learning, and research. By building on our course in effective and ethical AI use, we will help every student develop the digital literacy and critical thinking skills needed for the next stage of their journey.

5. Ensuring Ethical Practice and Data Protection

We will maintain the highest standards of privacy and transparency at every step. Our internal AI system will provide a secure environment, with anonymisation protocols and open communication underpinning our approach. Staff will receive regular training to ensure ethical practice remains central as we move forward.

Implementation and Review

We will support these digital steps with comprehensive training, regular reviews, and a phased introduction of new tools. Progress will be monitored termly, ensuring we remain agile and responsive.

By taking these digital steps together, we will ensure that technology enriches every journey through St Benedict’s, preparing our community to step confidently into the future.

Financial and Sustainable Steps

We are committed to taking steady, purposeful steps to ensure our financial health is sustainable and supports our mission of excellence. Our strategy is designed to help us adapt to changing circumstances, fulfil our ambitions, and uphold our values at every stage of our journey.

1. Ensure Financial Sustainability

Our first step is to maintain a balanced budget that supports both day-to-day needs and strategic growth. We will continue to monitor external factors—such as policy changes and market trends—and build these into our financial planning. By preserving sufficient reserves, we will be ready to respond to unexpected events or seize new opportunities as they arise.

2. Revenue Generation

We will take proactive steps to diversify our income. This includes developing new streams through enterprise, such as engaging with Homestay students and offering services to home-schooled pupils. We will optimise our external lettings and continue to encourage donations and legacy gifts to support bursaries, scholarships, and school projects.

3. Support Excellence in Education

We will align our funding with academic and pastoral priorities, ensuring we can take the next steps in enhancing our curriculum, co-curricular activities, and student support. Investing in staff— through innovative professional development and fair, competitive pay—remains central to our journey.

4. Invest in Facilities and Infrastructure

We will plan and fund projects that support growth and modernisation, maintaining our facilities to provide a safe, functional, and inspiring environment for all. Each investment is a step towards a more vibrant and future-ready school.

5. Ensure Affordability and Accessibility

We will regularly review our fee structures, taking steps to balance affordability for families with the need to sustain high-quality provision. Our commitment to bursaries and scholarships ensures opportunities remain open to as many as possible.

6. Promote Efficient Resource Use

We will review how resources are allocated, seeking out and eliminating waste, and taking steps to implement cost-saving measures. By embracing technology, we will streamline operations and reduce overheads, ensuring every step we take is efficient and effective.

Implementation and Monitoring

Financial oversight will be maintained by the finance committee, with regular reporting to ensure transparency and trust. We will review our progress annually, ready to adapt our steps as the landscape changes.

By taking these financial and sustainable steps together, we will secure a strong foundation for our community’s future.

7. Embrace Sustainability and Wellbeing

We will proactively embrace sustainability, environmental stewardship, and holistic wellbeing as core strategic pillars.

• We will commit to ambitious sustainability goals, such as achieving carbon neutrality across campus operations and embedding climate education into the curriculum.

• We will integrate comprehensive student wellbeing, emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability into everyday teaching and learning practices.

• We will establish a Futures Committee to proactively scan educational trends, ensuring our agility and readiness for unexpected shifts in the educational landscape.

People Steps: Staff Development and Wellbeing

At St Benedict’s, we believe every member of staff is on a professional and personal journey, taking steps that shape not only their own growth but the flourishing of our whole community. Our approach to staff recruitment, retention, development, and wellbeing is built around supporting each colleague as they take the next step in their vocation.

Recruitment and Retention Steps

We are taking purposeful steps to attract and retain talented staff who share our values. By building a strong employer brand and expanding our online presence, we are reaching out to potential candidates—including those not actively seeking roles—and engaging with graduates and trainees. We are strengthening our connections with universities, professional communities, and networks, and offering incentives and development opportunities that encourage talented individuals to join and grow with us.

We are also stepping up our efforts as a training school, especially in shortage subjects, by establishing partnerships with top universities and providing outstanding mentorship and support. Our recruitment journey includes regular reviews of benefits and salaries, ensuring that our offer remains competitive and compelling at every stage.

Professional Development Steps

We are committed to supporting each colleague’s journey through a suite of development opportunities. Every member of teaching staff will have an individual Career Development Plan, reviewed annually, to ensure their aspirations and training needs are met. We invest in innovative CPD, encourage career progression, and provide time for mentoring and professional learning.

Wellbeing Steps

We recognise that wellbeing is essential at every stage of a staff member’s journey. Our strategy includes the relaunch of a Wellbeing Committee, the introduction of wellbeing champions, and regular staff surveys. We offer confidential support, organise wellbeing days, and provide dedicated spaces and activities to promote health and resilience.

We are proactive in addressing work-related stress—reviewing roles and workloads, supporting recovery and reintegration, and maintaining strict confidentiality and protection for all staff. Our commitment is to create a culture where every colleague feels valued, supported, and able to take the next step with confidence.

Looking Ahead

By taking these people-focused steps—rooted in our Benedictine values—we ensure that every member of staff at St Benedict’s is empowered to thrive, contribute, and continue their journey of professional and personal growth.

“The focus on developing character, responsibility, and resilience is excellent.”

Parent, Year 12

“Small classes allow teachers to really know the children and tailor the teaching.”

Parent,

Year 10

St Bernard’s Steps

St Bernard’s Prep School is a 3-11 day school in Slough, which joined the St Benedict’s family of schools in 2019.

At St Bernard’s Preparatory School, we are committed to guiding every child on a journey marked by purposeful steps towards growth, achievement, and wellbeing.

Academic Excellence

We will take our first steps towards becoming an NRICH problem-solving school, enriching our curriculum with specialist resources and collaborative challenges. By introducing a voluntary extended day for Years 4 and 5, we offer pupils extra time and support as they prepare for the 11+, helping them take confident steps towards future success. Achieving Thinking-School accreditation will be another important step, fostering creative and collaborative thinking through enhanced training and open communication with parents.

Pastoral and Ethos

We are taking further steps to nurture a caring and supportive environment by working towards WellBeing School accreditation, ensuring that wellbeing is woven into every stage of school life. Linking staff CPD to individual professional learning journeys will inspire our colleagues to grow, so they can guide children with confidence and care at every step.

Financial Strategy

We are extending our nursery provision to 48 weeks per year and taking the next step by welcoming 2-year-olds into our nursery, strengthening the foundations of our school community. Our ambition is to become the first choice school in Slough, celebrated for outstanding 11+ results. By providing an in-house holiday club and leading a comprehensive admissions strategy, we will offer seamless support and a warm welcome to families throughout the year.

Governance and Leadership

We will take steps to strengthen our governance and leadership, aligning more closely with St Benedict’s Schools to share resources and best practice, ensuring that every decision supports the journey of each child and family.

Facilities Enhancement

Looking ahead, we will take further steps to enhance our facilities, developing new spaces such as a cookery area, music suite, sensory room, drama studio, reflection room, and meeting rooms. These improvements will support every child’s journey, providing a vibrant and inspiring environment for learning and growth.

By taking these steps together, we will ensure that every child at St Bernard’s is supported, challenged, and inspired as they move forward on their unique educational journey.

“Pupils’ extremely positive attitudes to learning can be seen in classrooms and beyond, with pupils of all ages developing a love of learning in wanting to find out as much as possible and to embrace new challenges.”

From the Smallest Steps in Junior School to Future Excellence

As St Benedict’s looks ahead, we are guided by the idea that every pupil’s journey begins with a single step. The smallest steps taken in our Junior School often lay the foundations for lives of service, leadership and professional excellence.

Joseph Curran (OP 2014)

A Journey of Discovery:

Joseph studied Natural Sciences (specialising in biochemistry) at Cambridge, earning an integrated master’s in 2018. After teaching, he pursued a PhD in Cell Biology at the Francis Crick Institute under Sir Paul Nurse, researching how cells regulate growth and division.

Leadership in Action:

At university, he organised a 45 musician orchestra tour to the USA and Canada—with concerts at Montréal’s Jazz Festival and Mont Royal at sunset— drawing on skills nurtured at St Benedict’s.

Words to Remember:

“Follow your passions and be open to new opportunities.” His advice reflects our ethos: small steps often lead to great futures.

Next Horizons:

He intends to undertake a post doctoral position abroad before launching his own research group.

Jess Taylor-Beirne (OP 2009)

Steps Into Service:

Jess earned a Theology degree at Durham and qualified in Children’s Nursing at King’s College London. She specialised in school health, worked on paediatric wards and in safeguarding, completed an MSc, and was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Nurse title in 2022 .

Making a National Impact:

As National Inspector for Children’s Services at the CQC, she brings together health, education, and social care to improve children’s lives across the country.

Deep School Ties:

A founding member of the OPA Swimming Club, Jess has stayed close to the school community. She met her husband here in 2007 and leads HCPT Group 10—a testament to the faith, care, and leadership instilled at St Benedict’s.

Resilience in Adversity:

Birth during the first COVID lockdown and raising two young children while building her career highlight her adaptability and strength.

Her Advice:

“Say yes to every opportunity—even if it feels irrelevant... Your twenties may be hard. Your thirties are better.”

Looking Ahead:

Jess plans to expand into teaching, consultancy, SEN fostering, and continue shaping children’s services strategically at a national level.

A Message to our Students

During your time at St Benedict’s we want you to learn to be moral and resilient individuals, able to find happiness regardless of the challenges life presents you with. We want you to be compassionate and open-minded members of our inclusive Benedictine community and of the wider world.

We want you to have the information to help you stay healthy in both mind and body; to understand the importance of being dependable and organised in your work, and to have the emotional literacy, flexibility and confidence to prosper when you leave us.