About the
Principal Designate
Mathieu was born in Faversham and attended a local grammar school before studying Sport and Exercise Science BSc. at Portsmouth University. Mathieu began his career in education supporting students with Special Educational Needs as a Teaching Assistant. He trained to become a PE teacher through the Graduate Teacher Programme in partnership with a local school in Sittingbourne and Canterbury Christchurch University, before working in a number of highly successful schools in the area. Mathieu holds a Master’s degree in Transformational Educational Leadership with a specialism in leading effective change in educational settings, as well as also being awarded the National Professional Qualification for Headship.
Mathieu has worked as a leader in challenging academies across Kent and South East London, working tenaciously to raise academic performance as part of their rapid improvement journeys. Mathieu joined The Halley Academy’s Senior Leadership Team when it became part of Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) in January 2018. In his role as Vice Principal and Head of College, Mathieu played an instrumental role in guiding the academy out of Special Measures, resulting in the academy’s first-ever ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, with ‘Outstanding’ gradings in the categories of Leadership and Management, Personal Development and Sixth Form.
Most recently, Mathieu has worked as Deputy Principal at LAT’s flagship academy, The Leigh Academy. In this role Mathieu is responsible for the operational running of the academy, with special diligence in supporting disadvantaged students to achieve their potential, regardless of their background; so that every student is able to thrive. Mathieu also oversees the academy’s Special Educational Needs provision, and works closely with the Principal to ensure that all students exhibit the highest of standards in their educational journey.