QUEEN Anne’s School has announced the appointment of a new deputy head academic.
Ben Stephenson has been with the school since 2018, previously serving as director of Sixth Form.
He brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, pastoral care, and curriculum innovation to his new role.
Initially balancing a part-time teaching role alongside a career as a sport psychologist and lecturer at the University of Reading, he eventually discovered a passion for classroom teaching.
Over the years he has held a variety of positions, including head of year and head of psychology, before becoming head of Sixth Form at Easthampstead Park Community School.
Since joining Queen Anne’s in 2018 as director of Sixth Form he has helped students navigate the final years of their school careers.
Mr Stephenson said: “My experience as head of Sixth Form has prepared me well for the position of deputy head academic, as I’ve seen first-hand the achievements of our students, and understand the role that inspirational teaching plays in setting young people up for success.”
He has been instrumental in the development of innovative programmes such as the Emotional Intelligence for Leadership course, designed for Senior Prefects and Lower Sixth students.
This programme has been delivered to both students and staff, reflecting a commitment to developing well-rounded leaders for the future.
In his new role, Mr Stephenson is eager to build on the school’s existing strengths while ensuring that each student reaches their full academic potential.
He emphasises the importance of stretch and challenge opportunities, the recruitment of exceptional teaching staff, and maintaining a culture where students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
“One of my primary goals is to ensure we continue to be a beacon of academic excellence, while focusing on opportunities beyond the day-to-day,” he said.
“I want to make sure that every student’s individual potential is realised, giving each one the personalised attention and support they need to succeed
“And I see another big part of my role is ensuring we keep recruiting the types of staff who will inspire our students.”
Mr Stephenson will also oversee the continued innovation of the school’s curriculum, which during his tenure as director of Sixth, saw the introduction of new subjects such as Film Studies, Media Studies, Sociology, and Criminology.
Reform of the ICT curriculum meant replacing the Computer Science GCSE with professional ICT qualifications, to equip students with the most relevant skills for their future careers.
Looking ahead, he is excited about the ongoing development of the school’s staff training and research initiatives, which enables staff to create their own bespoke development and engage in educational research projects.
He said: “It’s an honour to step into the role of deputy head academic, and I’m excited to see where we can make improvements to enhance the impact we have on our students’ academic and personal growth.
“Queen Anne’s has been an expert in all-girls’ education for over 130 years, and we are committed to continuing that legacy.”
