At the start of this academic year, we are thrilled to welcome Mrs Sam Robinson as our new Principal Deputy Head. With over 15 years' of experience in education and leadership, Sam brings a dynamic perspective and a passion for supporting pupils, staff, and parents alike.
During her first weeks here, we caught up with Sam to find out a little more about her and to talk about her first impressions.
What drew you to Charterhouse, and what excites you most about joining the School community?
Charterhouse is a name that is recognised and respected worldwide. I was excited to join a school that has such a huge amount of talent, a huge amount of history, and a huge amount of ambition for the future. Those three things – talent, history, ambition – make Charterhouse so distinctive. It is also a school that truly lives its values, with a strong sense of community that underpins everything it does.
Could you share some highlights from your previous roles and how they’ve prepared you for this role?
Education is my first love, though technically it’s my second or third career. After graduating from Exeter College, Oxford, with a First in English Literature, I studied Law and then pursued a career in media. Training in law and media gave me analytical skills and a broad perspective, but also a people focus – schools are about people, whether that’s children, parents, or colleagues.
I began teaching English in 2010, and over the last 15 years, I’ve held leadership roles at Churcher’s College and Portsmouth Grammar School. More recently, I worked in a national leadership role at Lift Schools, one of the country’s largest multi-academy trusts, where I was responsible for sixth form provision, careers education, and strategy across 57 schools. I’m also a qualified Ofsted inspector, which has given me the chance to see a wide range of schools in action.
Those experiences have shown me the importance of creating opportunities that stand the test of time and that make a measurable difference to young people’s lives.
What aspects of your leadership style do you feel will be most valuable in supporting staff, pupils, and the wider School community here?
Schools benefit from having insiders who know the pupils and the community really well, but they also benefit from outsiders who bring a fresh perspective and new ideas. I hope to bring those two strengths together. Education is at an exciting point in history, and I think Charterhouse is too. We have the chance to build something special here, a school that is ambitious, innovative, and happy at every level.
One week in, what are your initial impressions of the School?
I have the most beautiful commute in the world. More importantly, this is clearly a School rich in opportunity for every pupil. I’ve seen that in my calendar! In just a few days, I’ve been to the Floreat Societies & Clubs Fair, the first Year Specialist dinner and BBQ, my first sports fixtures, and even House visits with my sausage dog, Fox, who was a big hit in Northbrook.
What strikes me most is the energy and commitment of both pupils and staff. I see a vibrant school where every pupil is valued, and where talents and interests can truly flourish. I’m particularly excited about our largest ever Sixth Form cohort, with its wide range of academic pathways through IBDP, A Levels, EPQ, and other qualifications.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities for your first year?
In my first year, I want to support the School in maintaining excellence everywhere, for every pupil, while also beginning the strategic thinking that will help us succeed in the years ahead. This role offers such exciting possibilities, and I’m looking forward to applying my leadership experience to the Charterhouse context.
What message would you like to share with our staff, pupils, and parents as you begin your journey here?
My first job is to get to know and understand the School at every level. I’ll be out and about, and I encourage people to come and find me – I’d love to hear directly from you. I’m genuinely excited to be part of this community and to work with you all in shaping its future.
