Anya Bensberg
DEPUTY HEAD ACADEMIC
I have been part of St Edmund’s School since September 2013 when I joined as Head of Additional Needs. I haven’t always been a teacher. I have a Politics degree from the London School of Economics and I worked as a political lobbyist before making a career switch in 2005. After teacher training, I completed a postgraduate qualification in dyslexia teaching and assessment and a Master's degree in Education at Canterbury Christchurch University
I am motivated every day by seeing our pupils respond to the possibilities that come from learning, and working with teachers who inspire through intense passion for their academic subjects I am particularly interested in learning styles and metacognition. Our young people are individuals; teachers who inspire know that teaching a class is like cultivating a garden. When pupils are supported to learn to be the best, and believe in themselves, they can truly reach for the stars!
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
My career in education began in Walsall through the Teach First programme. Since then, over the last twelve years, I’ve held a range of roles in schools in Bristol and Kent, each reinforcing my belief in the importance of high-quality teaching and the difference it can make to every learner.
For the past five years, I’ve worked as a Specialist Improvement Adviser with The Education People, supporting schools across Kent with a particular focus on teaching and learning and maths. Alongside this, I’ve continued teaching part time at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. I hold an MSc in Leadership in Education from the University of Bristol. I have a passion for helping teachers explore how assessment can drive meaningful, sustained improvements.
Introducing the Heads of Key Stage
Curriculum crossover and transition
Strategic development of Key Stage, ensuring that pupils have first rate academic support
Data collection and analysis
Chairing pupil progress meetings
Raising aspirations, achievement and behaviour for learning
Lead on academic initiatives, e.g. Century Tech, Tassomai, My SuperCurricular etc
Jonathan Symaka
HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
I joined St. Edmund’s in September 2017 as a newly qualified teacherofHistoryandPolitics.Fastforwardto2019,andIwas delighted to take on the role of Head of Progression, overseeing the UCAS application process and supporting students directly with the writing of their personal statements andcourseresearch.
Thisrolemouldedmyteachingphilosophy,whichiscentredon the individual and promoting high expectations. Every student deserves a teacher who genuinely makes the effort to know their future aspirations, believes fully in them, and challenges themtoexceedtheirownexpectations.
As the current Head of Sixth Form, I’m passionate about preparing students for life beyond this school, not only by supporting their university or career ambitions, but by promoting the kind of character, values, and work ethic that willservethemwellinwhateverpaththeychoose.
ItrulybelievethattheHeadofSixthFormroleisthebestinany school, and it is a privilege to play a part in shaping the future livesofoursixthformstudents.
Joseph Tebbs-Warner
HEAD OF KEY STAGE FOUR
I came to St Edmund’s in January 2021 having taught in both comprehensive and grammar schools. Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked as an academic scientific researcher at University College London, where I completed a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. In addition, I have experience in a range of different roles, including as a trainer and deputy unit manager in St John Ambulance; a medical technician in the London Ambulance Service, and managing aspects of university graduation ceremonies.
I am passionate about helping students achieve their academic potential by encouraging the highest standards of behaviour in lessons, fostering safe and welcoming classroom environments and ensuring teaching of exceptional quality for all children of all abilities. I believe that exposure to subject-specific capital at all stages of a student’s school life is crucial. I greatly enjoy the different aspects of my roles, such as being able to get to know our children outside the classroom and forging strong relationships, using data effectively to make strategic decisions and working continuously to effect the improvements that will serve both St Edmund’s and its students
Joseph Pellett
HEAD OF KEY STAGE THREE
HEAD OF KEY STAGE THREE
I joined St Edmund’s seven years ago and currently serve as Head of Key Stage Three. Prior to this, I led English in the Junior School, supporting pupils through a creative and inclusive curriculum.
I studied Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University, specialising in Key Stages 1 and 2. Before joining St Edmund’s, I spent eight years at Hamstreet Primary Academy, taking on leadership roles including Head of Sport, Key Stage Two, and English. I also lecture trainee teachers in early reading and physical literacy at Christ Church University.
Originally from Bexhill-on-Sea, I have a lifelong passion for sport, having competed in swimming, rowing, and rugby. I now coach senior teams at Canterbury Rugby Club and enjoy open-water swimming, golf, squash, and strength training.
I live locally with my wife and our two children. I'm passionate about helping pupils thrive academically and confidently as they move into Senior School.
