Frensham Schools is delighted to welcome Ben Chadwick as our new Director of Students and Strategy. With over 20 years of experience in education and student leadership, Ben joins us from The King’s School, where he most recently served as Director of Boarding. Prior to this, he was Head of HSIE and taught HSC Economics and Business Studies at Loreto Kirribilli.
In his new role, Ben will oversee the pastoral care and wellbeing programs for all students, both day and boarding, working closely with Heads of House and Year Coordinators to ensure every student is seen, supported, and encouraged to be the best version of themselves. As a member of the Frensham Schools’ Executive, he will also contribute to strategic planning, including the implementation of the Holt Student Accommodation Project.
Highly regarded within the Australian boarding community, Ben brings extensive experience in residential education and a deep commitment to holistic learning. He is passionate about fostering both character development and academic growth, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our school community.
Ben’s Role at Frensham
Ben’s leadership will focus on three key areas:
- Honouring and building upon Frensham’s strong foundations
- Respecting traditions and working collaboratively with students, staff, families, and the wider Frensham community
- Enhancing policies, procedures, and student experiences to ensure a safe, supportive, and enriching environment
- Strategic planning and development
- Playing a key role in the Holt Student Accommodation Project and contributing his expertise in residential infrastructure
- Leveraging the Holt Project to strengthen the boarding experience while enhancing engagement for day boarders
- Enhancing staff leadership opportunities and culture
- Creating more opportunities for leadership among staff
- Ensuring pastoral care and wellbeing remain at the core of school life
- Fostering a connected, vibrant staff and student community
An enhanced approach to Student Life
Ben’s appointment reflects Frensham’s commitment to best practice for student life and pastoral care. While the School previously had a Director of Student Life, this new role broadens the focus to both student experience and strategic development, ensuring a seamless connection between boarding and day students.
Will there be a Director of Boarding?
No, Ben will work alongside the two Deputy Heads of Boarding and the Acting Head of Wellbeing, ensuring the smooth operation of programs and daily student leadership.
A Personal Connection to Frensham
Ben has strong ties to Frensham—among other relations, his wife, Dimity (1993), mother, Heather (1963), sister, Amy (1990) and grandmother, Gwen (1934), are all Frensham Old Girls. Ben has fond memories of playing sport on the Frensham fields while visiting his family. He is a passionate advocate for team culture, whether in boarding, student leadership, or co-curricular life.
Outside of school, Ben enjoys rugby, tennis, cricket, and outdoor activities. He has completed the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, including a memorable expedition to New Caledonia, and believes in immersing fully in school life. He is also an avid reader, particularly of war history and autobiographies, and has spent significant time learning from military leaders in education.
Welcoming the Chadwick Family
We warmly welcome Ben, his wife Dimity (Cant, 1993), and their children—Matilda (Frensham, 2023), Harry (Year 12, King’s), and Polly (Year 9)—to the Frensham Schools community. Ben and Dimity will reside on campus, and he will commence his role at the beginning of Term 2, 2025.