Matthew Jelley was educated at Bablake School in Warwickshire and graduated from the University of East Anglia where he studied English and American literature, balancing academic study with a commitment to university football.
Having made the decision to become a teacher, he gained a PGCE in Secondary English from UEA before taking up post at Hampton School and later at Perse School, Cambridge as Head of Lower School, overseeing the welfare of children in years seven and eight and ensuring a programme for successful transition of children into the school at 11+. During this period, Matthew also developed the provision for senior football in the school, coaching the 1st XI and establishing a 2nd team, directed a number of dramatic productions, two of which transferred to the Edinburgh Fringe, and was active in the school’s outdoor pursuits, accompanying an expedition to the Himalayas. In 2009 he took up the post of Deputy Head at the Perse Prep School (seven to 11) during a period of considerable growth and change as the foundation moved towards a cohesive educational structure from three to 18, full co-education, and a significant growth in numbers on roll. In 2013 he covered the leadership of the school for a term as Acting Head. He is currently studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership.
Matthew is very much looking forward to the prospect of leading St Edmund’s Junior School through the next stage of the school’s evolution: “I am committed to the provision of a broad, inspiring and engaging educational journey that begins from three and extends through to 18, whilst maintaining the individuality of the Junior School within the wider foundation and, importantly, that very special familial atmosphere that exists at St Ed’s”.
Head of St Edmund’s, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes, said: “The St Edmund’s community very much looks forward to welcoming Matthew and his family into its fold. His exceptional work ethic, vision and attention to the individual mark him out as a wonderful Head for our Junior School”.
