Meet the Principal

As a child I grew up in West Africa - playing in the tropical rain forests, going to the beach most days and attending informal schools until the age of eight. 

I then returned to England but the experience of African life never really left me and it was the links Ansford has with Zambia which first attracted me to the headship here. 

Issues around social justice and global awareness are particularly important to me, having grown up at a time when newly independent countries were trying to establish their own identity and place in the world.
 
Following my secondary education in Hampshire, I took a degree in geography and geology at Keele University, together with a teaching qualification. 

I come from a family of teachers – passionate about improving the life chances of young people, giving value to their individuality and helping them to develop a love of learning. 

I started my teaching career as a humanities tutor at Countesthorpe College, Leicestershire. 

After becoming a team leader there I was appointed director of human and social studies at Dorcan School, Swindon. 

Two years later I became deputy head at Humphry Davy School, Penzance, where I spent 10 very happy years mixing work with bringing up a young family.

I was appointed to Ansford in 2001 and feel very fortunate  to work with wonderful colleagues and young people in what is a particularly special learning community. 

Rob Benzie