Lt Col Scott Benest (9596) has been appointed Deputy Headteacher (Director of the Co-curriculum) at Wellingborough School from September 2023. This will see the family (wife Gill, who taught at ECJS, and son Barnaby) leaving Dulwich College & Alleyn's School and relocating to Northamptonshire.  Wellingborough used to compete in head to head shooting competitions with Elizabeth College back in the day, and this is something Scott is keen to see return. 

Scott has additionally been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and appointed Deputy Colonel Cadets of Greater London, which therefore makes him the most senior CCF Officer in the capital, in charge of around 6000 Cadets and around 1000 Officers and NCOs.  He will continue this strategic role after they relocate; thankfully Wellingborough is only 45 mins away on the train.

Earlier this academic year, Scott became the first Officer to command the guard at the Sovereign’s Steps, during the Festival of Remembrance. This duty involved greeting the Royal Family and Government Ministers outside the FCDO. A new duty initiated by the new monarch.

He was recently appointed CO of a multi-contingent, battalion size cadet overseas exercise to Cyprus this summer.  Exercise Venturer Solomoni comprised of an infantry training package led by 1 LANCS, demonstrating their modern warfare capabilities, alongside insight into RAF Akrotiri's role in supporting operations in the Middle East. In addition to the invaluable high end military training and experiences, cadets also had the opportunity to learn about many of the historical and cultural aspects of Cyprus.

Lastly, he was recently awarded CITP status by the Chartered Institute for IT, and completed a L7 MCGI in Leadership & Management through the MOD.  For the latter, he will be graduating at Sandhurst in October 2023.