Rory Smyth, Chair of the Council of Management, is delighted to announce that the new Head of Upton House School from September 2026 will be Mr Matt Robinson. Mr Robinson will follow the exceptional leadership of Mrs Rhian Thornton, who has been in post since 2016.
The search for the new Head has been thorough and highly competitive. We partnered with Odgers, a leading executive search company with a dedicated schools practice. The opportunity attracted strong interest from a wide and diverse field of applicants. Feedback on the school was extremely positive, and Odgers’ management of the recruitment resulted in a strong field of candidates.
Throughout the process, we were consistently impressed by Mr Robinson’s depth of experience, his thoughtful and personable leadership style and his clear understanding of what enables children and staff to flourish. His strong track record of balancing academic ambition with exceptional pastoral care makes him an excellent match for Upton’s ethos and aspirations.
Mr Robinson is widely recognised for creating outstanding opportunities for pupils, supporting staff wellbeing and leading with positivity and integrity. He brings the warmth and steady confidence that are essential as the independent sector navigates a challenging landscape, and he is committed to safeguarding the values that make Upton such a special community.
Mr Robinson has enjoyed a lengthy career in education, primarily in the independent sector, holding roles such as Head of English at King’s College Junior School in Wimbledon and Deputy Head at Junior King’s School in Canterbury, before being appointed Head at City of London Freemen’s Junior School in 2014, a position he held for ten years. He is currently Headmaster at Greenfield School in Woking. Mr Robinson holds an MA in Children’s Literature from Roehampton and an MEd in Educational Leadership from Buckingham, and is also a board member of the IAPS Membership Committee.
“I am both delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the next head of Upton House School, and very much look forward to getting to know the staff, the parents and, most importantly the children,” Mr Robinson stated.
Statement on behalf of the Council of Management:
“Throughout the rigorous selection process, Mr Robinson stood out as an exceptionally experienced and inspiring school leader whose values align deeply with our own. His strong track record of forming genuine, trusting relationships with children, parents and colleagues - together with his engaging, personable and open-door approach - made a powerful impression on us all. In a school approaching its 90th year, and so rightly proud of its warm, friendly and family-centred community, we were unanimous in our belief that Mr Robinson will both cherish and strengthen these qualities.”
“At a time when the independent school sector faces significant challenges, it is important to appoint a leader with great vision, strength of character and the ability to bring people together. Mr Robinson brings exactly that. He is renowned for creating and sustaining exceptional opportunities for pupils, championing high academic achievement while ensuring that wellbeing, both for children and for staff, remains at the heart of school life. His calm, confident leadership, his strong pastoral instincts and his warm, charismatic presence will ensure that Upton continues to thrive ambitiously, responsibly and joyfully. We very much look forward to welcoming him into our community.”
The Council of Management will work closely with the current Head, Mrs Rhian Thornton, and the Senior Leadership Team over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition. Mr Robinson will attend various events at Upton over the course of this academic year to meet the pupils, staff and wider Upton community.