Chris Benson

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT CHRIS BENSON

I have spent more than 15 years leading schools in the UK and internationally, including as Deputy Director of one of Europe’s leading international schools.Across those roles I worked at every level of the system — as a teacher, senior leader and headteacher — with responsibility for whole-school leadership across all phases of education.Leadership placed me at the centre of complex decisions about teaching and learning, culture, accountability and the conditions that allow both adults and young people to belong and thrive.It also reinforced something fundamental: belonging is central to fulfilling potential and sustaining a lifelong love of learning. When people do not feel they belong, a great deal of their energy is spent simply trying to fit in or be accepted rather than learning, contributing and growing.Today, through HeadFirst Consulting, I work primarily with schools while also working with leaders, families and organisations across the UK and internationally through consultancy, training and professional coaching.My work focuses on how systems respond to difference — particularly where behaviour, neurodiversity, mental health and identity intersect.My perspective is shaped by both professional leadership and lived experience, including my own ADHD and raising neurodivergent children.Alongside this work, I contribute to the wider conversation in education through writing, public speaking and professional dialogue.