The Leadership Team

Joe has a First in English from the University of Liverpool, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and a Master's in Educational Leadership. St Benedict's is his third headship: from 2010-2016 he was Headmaster of the 2-13 Oratory Prep School in Oxfordshire, then moved to be Head Master of the 11-18 Oratory School, which went co-educational in his time there. 

A former ISI inspector, Joe is a governor of two other HMC schools. He likes reading, the theatre, music, cooking and sport: he is a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club and supports West Ham in football and Bath in rugby. He is married to Debbie and has three grown-up children, the youngest of whom attended St Benedict's for Sixth Form. 

Rob Simmons read History at the University of Kent at Canterbury before completing his teacher training at the University of Sussex, Falmer. He has been involved in education for more than thirty-five years, working across both primary and secondary education. Rob joined St Benedict’s in 1992, teaching medieval and modern History in the Senior School for over a decade. He became Headmaster of the Junior School and Nursery in 2005 and has led the team ever since.

Rob is passionate about education and the development of young people. He brings a wealth of experience and a thoughtful, energetic approach to school life. Outside the classroom, Rob is a keen enthusiast of all things relating to aviation. He enjoys keeping fit – particularly cycling on ZWIFT – and has a wide-ranging taste in music, from Enya, Dua Lipa, and Sia, to Bleed from Within, Killswitch Engage, Iron Maiden, and The Smashing Pumpkins. He also plays the guitar and follows sport closely, especially cricket, rugby, and tennis.

Rob’s leadership is rooted in the Benedictine tradition, with a focus on nurturing every child’s curiosity, confidence, and sense of belonging.

Luke Ramsden is Senior Deputy Headmaster and Director of Safeguarding for the St Benedict’s family of schools. Recognised as Pastoral Leader of the Year 2021-22 by the NACPE, Luke has a long track record of working with technology companies to develop safeguarding software, including The Safeguarding Company and Trackitlights. 

At St Benedict’s—a flagship school for safeguarding—Luke places student wellbeing and inclusivity at the heart of his approach. He frequently speaks at conferences and contributes to the TES and other journals on school leadership, pastoral care, and safeguarding.  As a dedicated advocate for safer, more inclusive schools, Luke also chairs the Schools Consent Project and advises the Global Equality Collective. His contributions across these organisations earned him the NAPCE 2023 award for 'Raising Awareness About Pastoral Care.'

Fiona Allen is Deputy Head Academic at St Benedict's School, where she leads academic strategy, teaching quality, and professional development. Under her leadership, the school has achieved a 19% increase in top GCSE grades and a 15% increase in top A-level grades over recent years.

Fiona brings a distinctive combination of senior educational leadership and expertise in occupational psychology. A Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, she spent nine years as a consultant with major international organisations including KPMG, Accenture, and BT, specialising in leadership development, executive coaching, and building high-performing teams.

This dual background enables Fiona to apply the science of learning and evidence-based psychological principles to school improvement. She leads a team of 20 Heads of Department through a coaching approach, designs rigorous academic tracking and quality assurance systems, and develops staff at all levels through targeted professional development.

Fiona holds an MSc in Occupational Psychology and has taught Psychology and Biology, previously serving as Head of Biology at University College School. She is passionate about creating the conditions in which both students and staff can thrive.

Catherine Bedwin joined St Benedict’s as Bursar in the spring of 2016. She oversees the Finance, Estates, IT and Catering departments, leads on data protection, reviews contracts and partnerships, and works closely with the Board of Governors. Catherine also collaborates with the Bursar at St Bernard’s Prep in Slough, supporting finance and estates management across both schools.

Catherine holds a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of York and began her career at Ernst & Young on their Business Risk Consultancy graduate scheme, where she qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant. Her work there spanned multiple industries, including a secondment with an American petroleum company covering Thailand, Indonesia and Scandinavia.

She subsequently worked in internal audit within the footwear and clothing industry at Pentland Brands Ltd, covering global operations and supply chains across Europe, China, Hong Kong and Vietnam, and working with brands including Speedo, Ellesse and Lacoste. Catherine later moved to Global Radio as Finance Lead for Sales and Marketing, supporting UK radio and business enterprise initiatives, including concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, classical artist development and album production. She also worked for the University of West London before joining St Benedict’s.

Outside school, Catherine enjoys socialising, theatre and yoga, and volunteers at Ealing Soup Kitchen as well as serving as an auditor for a local church.

Craig Wilks studied History and Politics at Cardiff University and Philosophy at the University of York. He worked for the YMCA with young homeless people before training to be a teacher at the Institute of Education, London. He has taught in both the state and independent sectors. Craig joined St. Benedict’s in 2006 as a history and politics teacher. He has worked in a number of leadership roles in the school and is currently Director of Teaching and Learning, where his main focus is ensuring that all students reach their potential.

Outside of school, he enjoys reading history, following politics and trying to learn French.

Mandip Gill (MCIPD) joined St Benedict’s School in September 2022 and serves as Head of HR. Mandip brings a wealth of experience in employee relations, change management, training, and recruitment, developed through her work across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Her career in media and publishing includes roles at The Walt Disney Company, Discovery Channel, and most recently The Economist. Mandip is also a parent, with two children in the Junior School.