Vacancy

In January 2020, I became the interim Headteacher for St Matthias Primary School, lead the school through a pandemic then in April 2021 I became the permanent Headteacher.  I qualified as a teacher in 1999. I was employed by St Matthias in 2007 as a teacher and KS1 Lead, I became the Deputy Headteacher in 2009 and the Designated Safeguarding lead 2015. My family and I live in Malvern, my mother was a Deputy Headteacher for many years in a local Malvern school and my father ran his own Hardware business until 2011. I am very passionate about education and making a difference to enable pupils and staff to achieve their very best, so they can aspire and follow their dreams. 

I am a parent of two children at St Matthias CE Primary School and fiercely committed to their education and development. Our school has the potential to excel, and I enjoy working with the leadership and wider teaching team towards that end.

My background is in research, development, and data analysis and this offers me a solid position from which to offer support and objectivity on a range of educational issues. As Chair of the Governing Body, I would like to add that we are always welcoming new offers of help from local people whether they be family of pupils or interested community volunteers- if this is something you would like to discuss further please do contact me on 'lizbessant@outlook.com'.

Parent Governor awaiting update

I am a retired secondary headteacher and have lived in Malvern for over 20 years. I have 3 children each of whom benefited hugely from an excellent state education in the town. I remain connected with the leadership of schools as a trustee of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and I am Chair of the Board of ASCL PD Ltd, a nationally based training company. As an experienced school governor, I hope to bring a range of skills to support the future success of St Matthias, its children and its staff’.

I was appointed as a foundation governor in October 2019.
Now retired, I spent a career in primary education as a classroom teacher, head teacher, Ofsted inspector and school improvement partner. I am a foundation governor (ex-officio) of a Worcester City school, chairing the sub-committee which focuses on the personal development of the children.
I am an active member of my local church, having just finished serving 7 years as churchwarden. I regularly lead plan and lead services. I have been the Parish Safeguarding representative for 14 years.
In my spare time I enjoy music –choir, clarinet and piano; reading; theatre-especially links with Birmingham Royal Ballet, walking and gardening.
I am keen to support St Matthias as it navigates its way through the current challenges while enabling the children to achieve their best at all time.

I am a Community governor and have two children who attend St Matthias and want the best for them and all the children who attend the school. I have experience in Early Years and have developed a successful own business over the past few years. I have the drive and commitment to support the school as a parent and governor to ensure it reaches its full potential and have a range of skills to share. 

I grew up and attended schools and college in Malvern before becoming a teacher. My professional career has encompassed 17 years as a school teacher, 13 years in advisory work, training and service leadership and 6 years as a senior leader inside the local authority, with multiple areas of responsibility in relation to schools. I have had a career long focus on special educational needs and disability and I am passionate about ensuring access and achievement for children with SEND. I returned to live in Malvern in 2018 and I am a member of the staff team at Malvern Link with Cowleigh parish church. I am a licenced lay reader regularly assisting with, and leading services, regular preaching commitments and offering pastoral care. Prior to returning to Malvern I had spent several years involved in hospital chaplaincy. I am married with three grown-up children, five grandchildren and the proud owner of Ella, our terrier, who helps keep me fit.

I became the Schools Chaplain in November 2022 where my time is equally divided between Dyson Perrins and the Parish. I have worked with children, young people and families in a number of roles for 22 years. For most of that time I was a counsellor, working and volunteering in several of settings including Mind, Bereavement Support South Worcestershire and Lyttleton Well. Within my time as a practising counsellor, I also spent a number of years self-employed working specifically with children, young people and families.  My other roles have included organising toddler groups, parenting support groups and some time as a foster carer. I am married and have two grown up children, the eldest of which attended St. Matthias when we first moved to Malvern in 2008. 

Staff governor awaiting update

Staff Governor awaiting update