New Crescent School Head Appointed

He will take over the headship from Joe Thackway, who retires at the end of this academic year after nine years of outstanding service. Matt will also become a member of the Foundation’s Executive Committee.

Matt is a very experienced prep school Head, with a strong track record of success in school leadership and management. A Psychology graduate with 23 years’ experience in education, he has taught in both the state and independent sectors. His early career was based around the West Midlands, but he has recently returned to the UK after ten years overseas, latterly in Saudi Arabia as Head of Aldenham Prep in Riyadh and, prior to that, in Kazakhstan as Head of Junior School at Haileybury Almaty.

Committed to a clear educational vision focused on providing a happy, nurturing environment where quality learning takes place and the needs of each child are fulfilled, Matt will be responsible for the management and strategic direction of Crescent School as part of the wider Princethorpe Foundation.

Married with four children, Matt is also a committed endurance athlete, having completed Ironman triathlons and marathons in his spare time.

Commenting on the appointment, Ed Hester, Foundation Principal, said, “We had a very strong field of candidates for the post and Matt impressed us all with his enthusiasm, knowledge and insight, his fine educational credentials and swift rapport with the children. We are confident that he is the right person to take the Crescent to new heights and we will also value his contribution to the overall Foundation.”

He continued, “Our sincere thanks go to Joe Thackway, who has led the Crescent from strength to strength over the last nine years. Under his headship, the school has grown in reputation and pupil numbers, there have been major improvements to its facilities and resources and the school has passed two ISI inspections with flying colours.”

In accepting the position, Matt commented, “I am excited and honoured to take on the Headship of Crescent School and lead it into the next stage of its development, building on the exceptional work of Joe Thackway. I recognise and fully appreciate what a special community Crescent School is and upholding its values and building on its success will be central to my role. I am really looking forward to meeting and building relationships with staff, pupils and parents over the coming months.”