Bedales announces new Head

Bedales School has announced the appointment of Will Goldsmith as its new Head.

Will has been the school’s Acting Head since September 2021 and will now be confirmed in the post with immediate effect.

Chair of Governors Stephen Nokes stated:

“I am delighted to confirm Will Goldsmith as Head of Bedales. His appointment results from a highly competitive recruitment process where Will impressed with his ambitious educational vision, building on the school’s distinctive ethos. Bedales comes out of the pandemic with greater demand than ever, indicating such strong belief in the school’s ideals. In offering a progressive liberal education of ‘head, hand and heart’ to develop independent, inquisitive thinkers, never has such a breadth of vision and willingness to buck convention been more relevant.”

Will Goldsmith commented:

“I feel honoured to be entrusted to lead such an innovative school with a proud history of offering a properly rounded and relevant education. Bedales’ willingness to challenge education orthodoxies, combined with a profoundly communitarian approach and an understanding of the importance of the natural world make Bedales a particularly special place. Education is about empowering young people to engage with learning on a profound level that they sustain their whole life, and this will drive my approach to working with all members of the community to build on Bedales’ unique position in the education sector.”

Previously Deputy Head (Academic) at Bedales, Will started English teaching in the state sector, following roles in university administration and studying an MA in English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. He then moved to teach in the independent sector including as Director of Teaching and Learning at Latymer Upper before moving to Bedales in 2021. A keen linguist, Will is particularly active in supporting diversity and LGBT+ rights. He is also a pianist and keen singer who has a passion for the arts.