Welcome to our new Head of School, Benedict Kestner

Benedict Kestner M.Ed. is an experienced Head of School and education leader with over 30 years’ experience across the UK, Europe and the United States. He has a sustained commitment to child-centred education, grounded in respect for the individual child, developmental readiness, intrinsic motivation and carefully prepared learning environments where children feel valued and empowered.

Ben’s background spans democratic, enquiry-based and IB aligned schools, and his own values are closely aligned with Montessori principles. In addition to experiences in state and mainstream schools, he has built and led schools in Montana, USA and in Ibiza, Spain that included children across the ages 4-18. The school in Ibiza also incorporated a Montessori Children’s House. He is especially committed to building strong school communities in which children, parents and staff feel known, listened to and part of a shared educational purpose.

Additionally, Ben has significant experience as a writer and commentator on child-centred education and leadership, was the co-organiser of TEDx Kids, a moderator on the European Commission panel ‘Rethinking Learning’ and a CIS (Council of International Schools) accreditor. His blog and Substack contains his thoughts about what happens when young people are given time, space and trust in environments where wellbeing is considered an important element.  Ben believes Montessori education has a vital role to play in preparing young people for an uncertain future, not only academically, but through independence, adaptability, creativity, empathy and purposeful work.

Ben’s own educational background is in Music and Maths, originally training at the London College of Music, he holds a PGCE (secondary) from the University of East Anglia and an M.Ed in International Educational Administration from Endicott College, USA.

We believe Ben will bring strong, enthusiastic and thoughtful leadership as the school community grows across the educational age-span to 18. His current AMI 12–18 training at the Maria Montessori Institute, together with his experience leading child-centred and self-directed communities for children aged 4–18, will be a real strength as we develop a coherent Montessori pathway into adolescence. Ben is also experienced in helping families understand credible and meaningful routes beyond conventional schooling, including pathways into further study, university and adult life. His collaborative approach, commitment to community, and ability to champion a child-centred developmental education will be invaluable as more families come to understand the depth and relevance of Montessori education.