New Perse Singapore Principal announced

7 Jan 2021

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Benyna Richards as the new Principal of The Perse School Singapore.

An experienced teacher, leader, researcher and trainer, Benyna will take up her post on 1 February 2021.

Benyna is currently Professional Development Director – a position equivalent to Vice-Principal – at Tanglin Trust School, Singapore. As a member of the whole school leadership team, this role includes strategic leadership and management, contributing to the leadership of the pastoral, academic and co-curricular programmes, leading staff development and developing links within and beyond the school community with a range of organisations, such as the Federation of British International Schools in South East Asia.

She began her teaching career at Grace Academy Solihull and was part of the foundation team at West London Free School, where she was Head of Religious Studies. Benyna was also part of the Teach First educational charity, which places top quality graduates in schools in areas of economic need.

Benyna developed a passion for teacher training and became a Senior Programmes Manager at Ark Schools, a network of 38 schools, supporting their ongoing improvement before taking on her current role in Singapore.

The Perse School Cambridge has played a key role in the appointment process, with Head Ed Elliott welcoming Benyna to the Perse family of schools.

He commented: “Benyna is an outstanding school leader who is fully committed to the four Perse values of endeavour, intellectual curiosity and scholarship, breadth and balance, and valuing one another and the environment.

“At interview, she spoke with great passion about getting the best out of the little people (children) and big people (teachers and support staff) in school. This is the route to educational excellence where expert staff teach and care for happy and successful pupils.

“The Perse Cambridge looks forward to working with Benyna and all the staff as The Perse Singapore goes from strength to strength.”

Benyna said she was looking forward to becoming Principal of The Perse Singapore, which opened in January 2020 for pupils aged five to 11.

She said: “It is a very special thing becoming part of a new school community, especially one at the beginning of its journey. Thanks to Claire Bell (Founding Principal), Louise Grant (Acting Principal) and a dedicated team of teaching and non-teaching staff, The Perse Singapore has already put down strong roots.

“Over the next year, my priority is to build upon these areas of excellence, embed best practice and support the growth and development of teachers so that all the children in our care continue to flourish.

“Over the past five-and-a-half years, Singapore has really become my home, and this year more than ever, the relationships and connections we have with others at home, school and work have become even more important. I believe passionately that great schools are built upon meaningful relationships between children, staff, and parents. I look forward to working together to support our growing Perse family.”