A NEW head teacher has been appointed at a Rugby primary school, replacing the current head who is stepping down after nine years in the role.
Matt Aston will take over as the new head of Crescent School next September, taking the reins from Joe Thackway, who will retire at the end of this academic year.
A Psychology graduate with 23 years’ experience in education, Matt has taught in both the state and independent sectors. Having begun his career in the West Midlands, he has recently returned to the UK after ten years overseas, latterly as the head of schools in Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan.
Matt will be responsible for the management and strategic direction of Crescent School as part of the wider Princethorpe Foundation. He will also become a member of the Foundation’s Executive Committee.
Married with four children, Matt is also a committed endurance athlete, having completed Ironman triathlons and marathons in his spare time.
He said: “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.”
Ed Hester, Principal of The Princethorpe Foundation which runs the school, 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.
“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.”
