Portsmouth Deputy to Head King’s Rochester

Many congratulations to Ben Charles, Second Master of Portsmouth Grammar School, on his appointment as the new Principal of King’s Rochester and Headmaster of the Senior School. Ben follows Jeremy Walker who is moving to be Head Master of St Peter’s School, York. 

Jeremy will be leaving King’s in December so Roger Overend, who is has just retired as Headmaster of King’s Preparatory School, has been persuaded to return to Rochester as Acting Principal for the Lent Term.

Ben is currently Senior Deputy Head) at PGS, a large independent all-through school from 2½ to 18 with very close ties to Portsmouth Cathedral. He completed his degree at the University of Exeter before gaining his Post Graduate Certificate of Education from Durham University. He began his teaching career at another King’s School, this time in Peterborough, where he was Assistant Director of Music and a Lay Clerk in the Cathedral. He went on to become Director of Music at two HMC schools – the first at Chigwell School in Essex and later at Millfield School in Somerset.

He was appointed Deputy Head (Co-Curriculum and Communications) at PGS and was promoted to the Second Master role in January 2016. He is currently a Governor at Amesbury School and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Ben and his wife Helen, also a teacher and Deputy Head of Sixth Form at PGS, have three young children with another on the way. Ben is an experienced choral conductor and singer, but is also a huge sports fan, particularly offering support to teams from his native city of Leicester.

Miss Jacqueline Shicluna, Chair of Governors said, “Governors were highly impressed with Ben’s experience, his affinity for King’s and vision for the future building on strong foundations. We all look forward to welcoming him and his family to Rochester and are confident that King’s will continue to thrive and develop under his leadership. In the meantime, I am delighted that Roger will be holding the fort.”

Ben says, “I am thrilled and honoured to have been appointed as Principal of King’s School, Rochester and to be joining such a welcoming and happy community. I look forward to building on the outstanding leadership of Jeremy Walker.

King’s is renowned for its exceptional pastoral care, the breadth of opportunities it provides across the full age range and its commitment to a Christian ethos, all in an incredible and unique setting. I am excited to lead a school with such a rich heritage, but which also has significant aspirations for the future. My family and I very much look forward to joining the King’s community and to meeting pupils, parents, staff and alumni in the months and years ahead.”

CSA is equally delighted that Ben is moving to another of its members!