New Deputy Heads at St Benedict’s

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 11th of March 2016

St Benedict’s School in Ealing is pleased to announce the appointments of Luke Ramsden and Fiona Allen as Deputy Heads. They will be taking up post in September 2016 and will join the Headmaster Designate, Andrew Johnson, in a new partnership at the head of the school. Luke and Fiona have different backgrounds but both have spouses with musical careers! Luke Ramsden already has a long association with Benedictine education, having been both a school boy and most recently a housemaster at Ampleforth College. He went on from Ampleforth to read History as an undergraduate and then postgraduate at University College, Oxford, specialising particularly in the history of the Mediterranean in the early Middle Ages. He was also a Choral Scholar, singing in the Schola Cantorum of Oxford and conducting a performance of Messiah in the Sheldonian Theatre. From there he went on to teach History at Tonbridge School where he became Head of History as well as coaching football and helping to run one of the boarding houses. Luke is married to Catherine who is a musician: “We have three girls: Helena (9), Lydia (7) and Rebecca (3), all of whom will be going to St Benedict’s Junior School. We are all excited to be moving to London from North Yorkshire while also retaining our connection with the Benedictine community of schools. The rule of St Benedict has proved a successful way of organising communal life for around 1500 years. Its emphasis on kindness, service and putting the needs of others first is as important to a school in 21st century London as it was to a monastery in 6th century Italy.” “Away from teaching I have kept up my involvement in music. My wife and I have helped with the music in our local parish church, and we enjoy playing piano duets. I also like to cook, although I am very much an enthusiastic amateur and tend to cause a lot of mess!” Fiona Allen started her teaching career at the Godolphin and Latymer School where she taught Biology for nine years, before going part time to complete a Diploma and then a Masters in Occupational Psychology. She took a break from education, and became a consultant Occupational Psychologist for nine years, working with a range of businesses and organisations in the field of recruitment, training and development. When her daughters were coming up to school age she decided to return to teaching: “I realised I missed the continuity, interacting with lively young minds, and being a permanent part of a community. I was lucky enough to be appointed as Head of Biology at University College School in 2009. I am now very much looking forward to joining the St Benedict’s community.” “Australian born, I came to live in London in 1989 so without giving my age away, I have now spent more of my life here than in Australia. I am married with twin girls’ aged 10, Jasmine and Nicole, who are the apples of my eyes! My husband continues to be an inspiration to me; having built a career and a living in music and music education.” “I am passionate about teaching and learning, and what goes on in the classroom. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, cycling, exercise, reading and cooking with my daughters.”