Mr Tom Bennett
Head
I’m a runner (enthusiastic rather than fast), a drummer (still very much learning), and a lifelong lover of music, from Wagner to the Wu-Tang Clan. Ultimately, though, those are simply hobbies of mine. What defines me is a deep belief in the transformative power of a great education.
Having spent the last four years here as Deputy Head, I’ve had the privilege of seeing what makes Withington so special from the inside. Yes, our academic results are exceptional, but they are a consequence, not the starting point. They are built on outstanding teaching, a genuine love of learning, and a culture where every girl is known, challenged and cared for.
One of the things I most admire about Withington is that we don’t award academic prizes. That is a deliberate choice. We want our pupils to discover the intrinsic joy of learning. We want them to be intellectually curious because they love knowledge, not simply because they seek recognition. The same philosophy lies behind our commitment to means-tested bursaries.
We believe talent should be nurtured wherever it is found, and that a diverse community enriches the education of every girl.
I also believe passionately in the value of girls’ education. Withington gives young women the confidence to think independently, find their own voice, and pursue ambitious futures without limitation. In an increasingly divided world, schools also have a responsibility to bring together pupils from different backgrounds, helping them develop respect, kindness and a genuine understanding of one another.
As I begin my Headship, my first priority is to listen. I want to meet every pupil, every member of staff, and as many parents and alumnae as I can. The best schools are never finished. They continue to learn, reflect and evolve, and I believe the best leadership begins by understanding what people value most.
My ambition is that Withington continues to be recognised not only for the excellence of its outcomes, but for the values that underpin them. We already have something extraordinary. My role is not to reinvent it, but to care for it, strengthen it, and help it flourish for generations of girls to come.
Welcome to the next chapter in Withington’s story. It’s an exciting time for our school, and I look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Mr Tom Bennett
Head
