We are delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Mathews as the new Headteacher of Highdown School. With over 14 years of experience in education, including a decade in leadership, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the school, as well as an impressive record of powerful impact on the lives and learning experiences of students. Laura will be joining us in January, following the Highdown’s move to GLF Schools in October. We would like to give our continued thanks to Matthew Grantham, who will remain Acting Headteacher for the remainder of this term and will ensure a comprehensive transition of leadership with Laura when she joins us. After this, Matthew will revert to his Deputy Headteacher position.
Presently serving as Senior Deputy Head at Kennet School, Laura has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to enhancing the quality of education. Her leadership in curriculum development and school improvement has been judged as outstanding by Ofsted in May of this year, as was her leadership of whole school professional development and performance management.
Laura also has significant experience in personal and pastoral development, including her role as Assistant Headteacher, here at Highdown, where she successfully redesigned house and student leadership systems. Prior to her work with us she also served as the designated lead teacher for safeguarding and child protection at West London Free School as well as running the school Initial Teacher Training Programme. This breadth of experience has resulted in Laura leading and making significant impact across all areas of school life, and in a range of different educational contexts.
Laura is also an active contributor to the wider educational community. She has presented at national education and research conferences and has led peer-reviewed teaching projects with the Schools, Students and Teachers Network. She also serves on local advisory boards and is a governor for a local college which supports children with special educational needs.
Laura holds a degree from Durham University in Classics, and a MA in Educational Leadership. As a committed lifelong learner she is also embarking on a PhD in Education as well as currently completing her NPQH. Laura has remarked “I am hugely excited to be joining Highdown School and GLF. As a former Senior Leader at Highdown, I am aware of the huge potential of both staff and students, as well as the strong support from parents and governors of the school. I am really looking forward to meeting you all in January.”
We are excited to welcome Laura as Headteacher. Her personal belief in the profound importance of the impact of schools to both the individual student and society as a whole is a value shared with both Highdown School and GLF.
Arttu Rajantie Julian Drinkall Lynne O’Reilly
Chair of Trustees, Highdown CEO, GLF Chair of Trustees, GLF