Mr Matthew Close

Having read Geography at Durham University, Matthew went on to study 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 the Assistant Boarding Housemaster. He moved from there to more local schools as 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. Now in his seventh year at Surbiton High School, he joined as the Vice Principal responsible for well-being and was promoted in 2019 to Senior Vice Principal. He is also Governor 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.