Appointment of New Executive Headmaster
Categories: News, General
The Royal School, Haslemere is delighted to announce that Mr Matthew Close has been appointed as the new Executive Head of The Royal School, taking up the post in September 2023.
Mr Close was previously Senior Vice Principal at Surbiton High School, responsible for pupil development, well-being and safeguarding as well as having operational responsibility for the school site and capital development projects.
The Royal School and Surbiton High School are part of United Learning, the national group uniquely combining independent schools and academies.
Having read geography at Durham University, Matthew studied his PGCE at Pembroke College, Oxford, followed more recently by an MSc in Educational Leadership from Leicester University. He has worked in the independent sector for over twenty years, gaining experience at single-sex, co-educational, day and boarding schools. He began his career at Warwick School teaching geography, coaching hockey and cricket and as an assistant boarding housemaster. He moved from there to more local schools. He was head of geography at Reed's School and the City of London School before moving to the City of London Freemen's School as head of sixth form. He is also chair of governors at a prep school in Sunningdale and the welfare officer at his local hockey club.
Matthew's love of sport sees him on the hockey pitch playing in the London leagues on a Saturday and coaching on a Sunday throughout the year. When not on the hockey pitch, he can be found hacking around local golf courses, running and cycling in the Surrey Hills or walking the family dog with his wife and two children.
Mr Close said: ‘I am delighted to be joining The Royal School, Haslemere and can't wait to be part of the team. It is a privilege to be joining a school rich in history, graded as excellent in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in April 23, and determined to equip each of its pupils with the skills and mindset to ensure that they are Future Ready. I look forward to learning with you and leading us into the future.'