St Benedict's School, Ealing, has appointed Joe Smith as the new Head from September 2023. He replaces Andrew Johnson, who has led St Benedict's since 2016.

Mr Smith joins St Benedict's from The Oratory School, near Reading, where he has been Head since 2017. He studied English at the University of Liverpool and brings a wide range of previous experience to St Benedict's.

Over the course of his career, he has taught at Colfe's School, Greenwich, at Monkton Combe School, near Bath, and was appointed Head of the Oratory Prep School in 2010.

Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Smith said: "I am really excited to be moving to Ealing and joining the St Benedict's community this summer.

"In my visits to the school since my appointment I've been increasingly struck by the warmth of the school, its students and staff, its very high standards and its sense of purpose and ambition.

"Andrew Johnson leaves a fine legacy and I can't wait to get stuck in to the task of succeeding him in leading the school in the next phase of its life. My family are also excited to be moving to West London, and my youngest son is looking forward to joining the school in the Sixth Form."

Andrew Johnson joined St Benedict's in 2016 and has led the school for 7 years. He was previously Head of Stonyhurst College, Lancashire, for 10 years, and is now retiring.