New Head of Worth School announced
We are delighted to announce that Ben Pennington, currently Head of the Senior School at St Andrew’s, Turi, in Kenya, will take up the role of Head of Worth School from September 2026.
Mr Pennington’s appointment follows an extensive search for a leader who combines strategic vision, faith and educational excellence. He brings a record of success in academic improvement, safeguarding and staff development across both the UK and international education.
In his current role, Mr Pennington has led St Andrew’s Senior School through a period of strategic renewal and operational improvement, contributing to excellent ISI outcomes and strong enrolment. He is recognised for building outstanding professional teams, enhancing curriculum design and deepening a culture of safeguarding and care.
Previously, as Senior Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead at King’s Ely, Mr Pennington oversaw safeguarding and chaired the Child Protection and Safeguarding Committee. Earlier leadership and teaching roles included Ampleforth College, where he was Housemaster and Assistant Head (Academic Middle School), and Sherborne Prep.
Before entering education, Mr Pennington served as an officer in the British Army and played professional rugby in both the UK and Australia – experiences that reflect his belief in teamwork, resilience and the development of the whole person.
A committed and practising Catholic, Mr Pennington believes in a student-centred, evidence-informed approach that balances high academic standards with wellbeing, character and community. His priorities for Worth include curriculum enrichment, staff formation and close partnership with families and the Abbey community.
Mr Pennington holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Buckingham, the Department for Education’s highest-level qualification for school leadership (NPQEL), a PGCE in History from Oxford, and a BSc in Economics and Politics from Bristol.
Mr Pennington is looking forward to building upon all that Stuart McPherson and the Heads before him have done for Worth School. He will become the eighth Head in the 67-year history of Worth’s Senior School, reflecting the School’s enduring Benedictine ethos and commitment to forming generations of young people in faith and scholarship.
He will be joined at Worth by his wife, Emma, and their two children, Cassius and Coco.
Chair of Governors Jerry Fletcher said: “I was struck by Ben’s clarity of purpose, his faith and his deep understanding of education as the formation of the whole person. His leadership experience, both in the UK and internationally, will serve Worth well as we continue to strengthen our academic excellence, pastoral care and Benedictine ethos – the heart and soul of Worth.
“I know that the entire Worth community – parents, pupils, staff and the monastic community alike – will join me in welcoming Ben and his family to Worth as they begin this new chapter.”
Mr Pennington said: “I am honoured to be joining Worth and to serve a community with such a rich Benedictine tradition. My family and I are excited to begin this journey together, to learn from the remarkable legacy of those before me and to play our part in shaping the next chapter in Worth’s story.”
Current Head Mr McPherson will leave Worth to take up the role as Head at Sydney Grammar School at the end of December and his Senior Deputy Ms Marisa Bosa will take over as Interim Head for the rest of the academic year.
