Alleyn's Welcome New Senior Deputy Head

We are pleased to welcome Mr Sam Madden as the new Senior Deputy Head, bringing a wealth of experience in educational leadership and wellbeing to the school community. Mr Madden joins Alleyn’s after a distinguished seven-year tenure as Deputy Head (Wellbeing) at St Paul’s School, where he played a pivotal role in promoting the health and wellbeing of both students and staff. 

His approach to education is rooted in the belief that a supportive environment for pupils is best fostered by ensuring teachers are happy, healthy, and passionate. He worked closely with parents and staff at St Paul’s, recognising the importance of a holistic approach to pupil welfare that includes informed and engaged parents. His efforts have been instrumental in creating environments where pupils and staff alike can thrive. 

Before entering the field of education, Mr Madden built a diverse professional portfolio, holding roles as a political consultant in the House of Commons and as a strategic consultant at Accenture. He holds a First Class degree in Geography from Exeter University and a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics, where he focused on the intersections of Geography, Politics, and Economics. 

Amongst significant and sector-leading work in the areas of wellbeing and mental health, Mr Madden has also led in Character education and in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across St Paul’s, played a lead role in Oxbridge preparation and coached various rugby and football teams. He serves on the board of the Youth Coalition for Mental Health and is a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. He is also certified to deliver suicide prevention workshops, equipping teachers, first responders, and the public with the necessary tools to address mental health crises. Mr Madden says of Alleyn's, "this is a wonderful school and I feel very excited to be here".

Head, Mrs Jane Lunnon, welcomed him to the Alleyn’s community, noting, “Mr Madden is warm, charismatic and an approachable leader I have no doubt whatsoever that he will be a tremendous addition to the school community”. We are excited to see the positive impact he will have on our pupils, staff, and the broader school community.