Bringing a wealth of experience and a ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra, West Midlands independent schools foundation King’s Worcester begins the new academic year by welcoming its new head of foundation, Ben Charles.
Working across its family of schools – King’s Worcester Senior School and prep schools King’s Hawford and King’s St Alban’s – the foundation says Ben will provide the strategic leadership and vision to continue its 'long-held reputation for providing pupils with an outstanding preparation for life', when he takes over from acting head Dr Alison Oliver this September 2025.
SoGlos sits down with Ben to chat about everything from his greatest passions, to his career accomplishments and how much he's looking forward to getting to know his new schools and their communities.
Ben, what attracted you to the role of head of foundation at King’s Worcester?
King’s is a truly wonderful school with a rich heritage, a strong sense of community and a clear ambition for the future. The values at King’s align closely with my own beliefs about education; and I was immediately drawn to the opportunity to lead a foundation that encompasses three excellent schools, each with its own identity but united by a shared ethos.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career to date.
After completing my degree in music at the University of Exeter and my PGCE at the University of Durham, I began my teaching career as assistant director of music at another 1541 King’s School, in Peterborough. There I coached the 1st XV rugby team – having played for County Durham in my youth – and was a day housemaster and lay clerk in the cathedral.
I went on to become director of music at two other HMC schools – Chigwell School in Essex and later Millfield School in Somerset; and second master (senior deputy head) at Portsmouth Grammar School. In 2019, I became principal and head of the senior school at King's Rochester in Kent.
I'm also a committee member of the Choir Schools’ Association; and a prep school governor. I'm an experienced choral conductor and singer and also a huge sports fan.
Rugby has always played a major part in my life and the values of the sport – teamwork, respect, resilience – have certainly shaped how I approach leadership and life.
What is your vision for the foundation – what do you hope to achieve in your new role?
I've known about King's Worcester for a long time – it's a school that is very well known. I'm excited to get to know the community – the pupils, parents and staff – and to really get under the bonnet and understand what life here at King's Worcester is all about.
For the whole foundation, I have this mantra of work hard, play hard and look after each other; and for me King's Worcester fits that really nicely.
The 'work hard' part of that is around ensuring the children
understand they've got to work really hard in life, which includes their academic work – of course, the academic results
here at King's Worcester are exceptionally good.
For me, 'play hard' is about getting stuck into co-curricular activities. The breadth of experience here at this
wonderful school and foundation – through sport, music, drama, the Combined Cadet Force, outdoor pursuits and outdoor learning – is profound; and
that really speaks to what my interests are.
The pastoral care on offer here to the pupils is second to none. I think it's really important that the pupils grow up working hard, playing hard but also really understanding that they're part of a bigger community and that they've got to look after each other.
What three words would your family and friends use to describe you?
I’d like to think they’d say I’m loyal, kind and fun – though I suspect my children might say I’m more grumpy, annoying and boring!
What are your favourite pieces of music?
As a former director of music, this is an impossible question – but there are three that have had a profound impact on me.
Bach’s 'St Matthew Passion' has been part of my life since childhood and still moves me with its depth and spirituality. Billy Joel’s ‘Piano Man’ is special as it’s a song my wife and I have always shared. And Mahler’s 'Fifth Symphony' never fails to stir something visceral. For me, music is the art form that most deeply connects us to our humanity.
Which rugby team do you support?
Leicester Tigers. I’m Leicester born and bred, so supporting the tigers is in my DNA.
Finally, what is first on your agenda this September?
I'm really looking forward to starting here with my family, but when I arrive I'm going to be very much on listening mode and receive mode, because I'm really interested in understanding more about the school from the people who've lived and breathed it here for the last few years.
They know the place much better than I do; and I'm really keen to hear what they have to say. I just can't wait to get started.
To discover more about King’s Worcester and meet Ben Charles, join them for their open mornings on Saturday 27 September 2025 for King’s Senior and Sixth Form and King’s St Alban’s Prep, or Friday 3 October 2025 for King’s Hawford Prep. Those who wish to attend can book their place at ksw.org.uk.
