THE INCOMING head of King’s Worcester is ready for the challenges faced by the independent schools sector.
Ben Charles has been appointed as the new head of foundation from September 2025.
He is currently the principal of King’s Rochester, a co-educational cathedral school for pupils aged three to 18 which, like King’s Worcester, was re-founded by Henry VIII in 1541.
He has been principal and head of the senior school there since 2019. Prior to that, he was second master at Portsmouth Grammar School.
After completing his degree in music at Exeter University and his PGCE at Durham University, Mr Charles began his teaching career as assistant director of music at another 1541 King’s school, this time in Peterborough.
He coached the 1st XV rugby team, having played for County Durham U16s and U18s, and was a day housemaster and lay clerk in the cathedral. He went on to become director of music at two other HMC schools – Chigwell School in Essex and later Millfield School in Somerset.
As well as being principal at King’s Rochester, Mr Charles is a committee member of the Choir Schools’ Association and a prep school governor. He is an experienced choral conductor and singer, and is also a huge sports fan, particularly offering support to teams from his native city of Leicester.
He and his wife Helen, and their young children, are looking forward to moving to Worcester and joining the King’s community next year.
Chair of governors Pat Preston said: “The governors are delighted to welcome Ben to The King’s Worcester Foundation. Having led King’s Rochester for five years, Ben brings the experience needed to lead our schools through what will be a challenging period for the sector.”
Independent schools across the UK are encountering an increasingly challenging landscape, with economic uncertainties, regulatory changes, and environmental responsibilities imposing new pressures. At the same time, the competition for attracting students and staff is intensifying.
Mr Charles added: “I am delighted and extremely honoured to have been appointed as head of foundation at King’s School, Worcester.
“I am excited to lead the foundation through the next phase of its development, notwithstanding the challenges that the independent sector faces. My family and I very much look forward to joining the warm and vibrant King’s community next year and to getting to know the pupils, parents, staff and alumni.”
