Welcome from our Headteacher

Welcome to St Matthew's Church of England Primary School. I feel very lucky to lead a school where children are known, valued and encouraged to flourish.

As a Church of England school, our vision is taken from 1 Corinthians: “Let all you do be done in love.” It is at the heart of everything we do, shaping how we treat one another, how we learn together, and how we celebrate each child as unique and loved. We warmly welcome families of all faiths and none.

Our four key values bring that vision to life every day:

Love guides how we care for one another and for the world around us.
Friendship helps children feel they belong, and teaches them to be kind, forgiving and loyal.
Creativity encourages children to be curious, imaginative and brave enough to try new things.
Respect underpins our relationships with children, families and the wider community, so that everyone feels safe to learn and grow.

Learning beyond the classroom

We believe the best learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Trips and visits bring the curriculum to life, whether that means going to the beach and standing in the sea, going to the circus, or visiting our local church. They give children shared experiences to talk about and remember, build confidence and independence, and show them the wider world they are growing up in.

Our forest school is a much-loved part of school life. Out in the fresh air, children build dens, explore nature, solve problems together and learn to take sensible risks. It nurtures resilience, teamwork and a real sense of wonder, and it helps children develop a deep respect for God’s creation.

At St. Matthew's you will find amazing children who are happy, curious and eager to learn, supported by dedicated staff who want the very best for every child. We believe that strong partnerships between home, school and church help children thrive.

Our website offers a glimpse into daily life at St Matthew's, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. I would love to welcome you for a visit, so please do get in touch to arrange a tour. We would be delighted to meet you and your child.

With warm wishes,

James Waddington

James Waddington 

Headteacher

No matter the concern, we are always here to listen. You are welcome to visit the school for a chat or call the office —whichever suits you best.

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours (Monday to Friday). If we are unable to provide a full response straight away, we will acknowledge your message and let you know that we are looking into the matter.

The office staff are available to assist with any queries from parents and carers.