Samantha Price, Headmistress of Benenden School, has been named as one of the UK’s best headteachers at the prestigious Tes School Awards.
Mrs Price’s nomination as Headteacher of the Year followed a particularly transformational year at Benenden, in which the School introduced day boarders for the first time, opened a dedicated boarding house for its youngest pupils, and has completed the most ambitious development in its history, a new School Hall and Music School.
In addition, Mrs Price has played a prominent role in the sector as 2021-22 President of the Girls’ Schools Association, during which she has been the figurehead for UK girls’ schools and a leading voice of support for the country’s young people.
Mrs Price said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been a Headteacher of the Year finalist.
“This accolade is a testament to the incredible efforts of everyone in the wonderful Benenden community. With such dedicated staff members and a truly inspiring student body, it is a joy to lead Benenden School.”
The glittering Tes School Awards 2022 ceremony took place on Friday at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane.
For the first time this year the Tes School Awards brought together state and independent schools to create one combined and inclusive national event, with the aim of celebrating excellence across the whole education sector.
Mrs Price added: “It’s great to have both independent and state schools come together to celebrate success in education, as this reflects the reality of the approach to education in the UK, in which schools from both sectors work together in the interests of young people.”
The Headteacher of the Year winner was Arthur Bazey from Heron Hall Academy in London.