Ed Benbow

For Ed Benbow education has proven to be a true calling. Seeking a vocation rather than a job, he gave up a successful career in finance working as a director on the trading floor of a large corporate bank and retrained as a teacher, completing a PGCE in secondary mathematics. He started his career in education at Pinewood School and after six years moved to be Deputy Head at Cothill House. For Ed, the move to lead Hazlegrove was helped by the school's strong boarding and community ethos: 'Having grown up in Somerset and attended a local prep school, I had always been so impressed by Hazlegrove, but equally I was reassured that its values, qualities, and community spirit back then remain as strong as ever today.'

Ed's passion is to help nurture the individual interests of pupils at the school. 'My greatest desire is to provide as many opportunities and experiences for every child, from any background, so that they can discover their own unique skills and talents and develop into curious, creative and confident learners.' He believes the combination of opportunities available at Hazlegrove helps to give each child the chance to succeed and achieve their ambitions: 'I believe that every child is a human being with immeasurable potential, not simply an academic robot, and it is my goal at Hazlegrove to find and nurture that potential. We want to ensure that they have the social, emotional and academic foundations to go on to thrive at senior school and beyond.'

But Ed recognises that whilst it is good to aspire for success, the wellbeing of pupils is paramount. 'The curriculum and timetable are key,' he says. 'At Hazlegrove we constantly strive to ensure that there is a healthy balance between core academic learning and the opportunity for mindful avenues such as art, DT, food tech, philosophy, Outdoor Education, PSHE and wellbeing. We are blessed with large and beautiful grounds, that lend themselves to outdoor learning opportunities and provide our children with a sense of space and discovery.'

And whilst the school strives to provide a myriad of opportunities, it is apparent when pupils leave just how much they have gained. 'Curiosity, Creativity and Confidence', says Ed when asked to name the qualities pupils gain at Hazlegrove. And the reason? 'A diverse and vibrant curriculum, aided by an array of outdoor space and outstanding facilities, enable our children to leave at 13, ready to take on the challenges of senior school, but importantly with their feet on the ground, a strong sense of worth, and a recognition of their many talents.'

So does Ed have any regrets about his career switch away from the world of finance? 'Not at all! Working in a school may be more tiring, both mentally and physically, but it is infinitely more rewarding. A boarding prep school is a magical place of which to be part, whether you are a pupil or a member of staff.’