Ben Bowles has been appointed as the new Head of the Birkdale Family of Schools, which includes Sheffield’s Birkdale School and the Peak District’s S. Anselm’s School, taking up his post in April 2025.
Ben joins from The Manchester Grammar School where he has been Deputy Head (Academic) for the past four years, while also being familiar with Birkdale, having been an active member of the Governing body since 2020.
Ben was born in Rwanda, but grew up mostly in Yorkshire. He read Engineering at the University of Oxford.
Ben brings with him a wealth of experience with over 20 years in teaching and leadership roles. He has taught at a country boarding school, a Swiss international school and a London day school before taking up Deputy Head roles, first at Stockport Grammar School and latterly at The Manchester Grammar School.
The married father-of-four said:
“I am delighted to be joining such a welcoming and close-knit community, deeply committed to academic excellence, rounded education, and rooted in a strong Christian ethos. I look forward to working alongside the exceptional staff, as every day they inspire and support each pupil in flourishing to their full potential. I also look forward to getting to know the many families who have entrusted Birkdale and S. Anselm’s with the education and development of their children.
“Leadership of a school with such a great track record of academic success and care for the individual is both a privilege and great responsibility. I am honoured to be taking up the role of Head, and will dedicate myself to shaping our Birkdale schools as they seek to serve pupils who will be at the cutting edge of the next generation.”
Paul Houghton, Chair of the Board of Governors, commented:
“Ben joins Birkdale with a track record of strong academic leadership in some of the UK’s top performing schools. He brings a passionate determination that each pupil should have a great day every day. When this happens in the context of caring a Christian school focused on academic excellence and offering a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, learning becomes hugely enjoyable and Birkdale educated young people leave ready for the world. We are delighted that Ben is taking up the role of leading us through the next years of growth, development and serving our pupils.”
Ben Bowles will take over from Peter Harris who has been the Head at Birkdale for six years and is taking up a new opportunity in Kenya.