Meet the Head: Rob Simmons, St. Benedict’s
A headteacher maintains or in some cases redefines a school’s ethos. As part of a new series we’re starting on WLM, we will be showcasing schools across west London where we’ll meet headteachers to find out a little more about them personally as well as about the school they oversee.
We start off the series with Rob Simmons—the headmaster of St Benedict’s junior school in Ealing, an independent Catholic school. WLM asked him about his experience and what makes his school unique.
What is your professional background?
I have worked at St Benedict’s in Ealing for just short of 23 years. I taught modern and medieval history in the senior school for the first 13 years, as well as fulfilling the role of a division master (year head) for 7 years, and was appointed as the headmaster of the junior school in September 2005.
What motivated you to work in education?
Upon completion of my history degree, I opted to take a gap year and was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to teach on a voluntary basis for six months at St Mary’s Academy in Roseau, Dominica. I was very green behind the ears and had to acquire teaching skills quickly, but ultimately I realised that I enjoyed imparting knowledge and seeing the pupils develop over time. Upon my return to the UK, I applied for a place at the University of Sussex, Falmer, to undertake a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education).
What are some of the challenges schools face?
One of the most significant challenges for any school is keeping up with the changes that occur in what is a very fast-moving world. Clearly if you stand still, you will indeed be left behind!
What is your personal philosophy about education?
As well as equipping young people with the skills that they need to fulfil their academic potential, it is vital that they appreciate the importance of having a balanced lifestyle that provides plenty of opportunity for engaging in the creative arts and sport. A good education should also equip each individual with a strong moral compass and values, so that a meaningful contribution can be made to the wider community.
What is unique about St Benedict’s?
The ethos of the school is founded upon Catholic Benedictine ideals, and St Benedict’s is the only Benedictine independent co-educational day school in London. Our mission is ‘Teaching a way of living’ and is realised by our commitment to ten essentials of a Benedictine School, including discipline of daily practice, stewardship of creation, and mutual service. Through this mission we seek to encourage and help each individual student in the pursuit of excellence and to promote values of respect for ourselves, for others and for the world around us.
What does St Benedict’s expect from parents?
There is undoubtedly a very supportive parent body at St Benedict’s, and the expectation is that there should be a strong partnership between home and the school, working in collaboration to provide the best possible learning environment for the pupils and students across the school.
What can parents expect from the school?
Parents can expect to join a friendly and caring community in which their children will have the opportunity to engage in a broad range of academic, music and sports activities and to develop their self-confidence. Their daughters and sons will be encouraged to embrace the joy of lifelong learning.
What can you tell us about St Benedict’s that we won’t find in the prospectus?
You really need to visit the school in person to meet the children and staff and to experience the very special atmosphere first hand. A warm welcome awaits you!
For more information, visit St Benedict’s website.
