We are delighted to let you know that we have appointed Matt Bloodworth-Flatt as our new Principal to lead the next stage of Medeshamstede’s journey.

His expertise, dedication, and commitment to providing inclusive, individualised education for children with special educational needs and disabilities will ensure the school is a place where every student can thrive.

He is excited to be joining the academy and will take up his post after Easter.

He is looking forward to meeting everyone in the new term but in the meantime, I’m pleased to share the Q&A I did with him so you can start to get to know him.

Q&A with Matt Bloodworth-Flatt

Q: What excites you the most about taking on the role of Principal at Medeshamstede Academy?

Working within the specialist education sector has always been a passion of mine. I am excited to join a new school, make new connections and work collaboratively to help the pupils achieve their best. From my visits to the school I have found staff and pupils to be incredibly friendly and welcoming and look forward to working with them in the future. I also look forward to supporting Medeshamstede Academy through the next stage of our journey of improvement.

Q: Where did you begin your career in education, and how has your journey led you to this new role?

I began working as a teaching assistant at a school called The Priory School in Spalding in January 2012. I have worked at that school since in various roles, being Headteacher since 2019. As a school we have achieved many great things and more recently The Priory School merged with another special school to form Tulip Academy Spalding. Within my current academy trust I have been fortunate to provide support to other schools and worked as an Executive Headteacher supporting another specialist school in Grantham.

 Q: What drew you to the field of special education, and what keeps you passionate about working with children with special educational needs and disabilities?

I always knew I wanted to work in the education sector when I finished university. Whilst completing my degree I volunteered in various specialist settings and loved my experiences. I love how every day is different and supporting each pupil to develop individually so they can achieve their best in adult life. As a parent I have a son who has special educational needs who attends a specialist setting. He motivates my work as I am always thinking ‘would I be happy if my son attended my school?’.

Q: What excites you most about leading Medeshamstede?

Medeshamstede Academy is a lovely school, staff and pupils are friendly and welcoming and it has great facilities to support pupil’s specific educational needs. I am excited to work with staff to further develop the provision pupils have access to so they can achieve their best. Until now I have always worked in the same Academy Trust since I began my career in education. I am therefore excited to try something new and ready to give it my all.

Q: What is your vision for the school’s future, and what are your immediate priorities as your start date approaches?

My vision for specialist education is to create a learning environment that is bespoke, adaptable and suitable for each learner’s specialist educational needs. I understand in recent years the school has worked hard to improve specific aspects of the offer pupils receive. I look forward to working with all staff to continue this development journey. I hope to build effective relationships with parents, carers and the Local Authority. Allowing us to work collaboratively to ensure the needs of each pupil is met whilst they attend Medeshamstede Academy.

Q: How do you create an inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued and supported? There is lots any person can do to create an environment where every pupil feels valued and supported?

 I find developing methods to support all learners needs; establishing strong relationships and celebrating diversity are some of the most important approaches to making pupils feel valued and supported. Pupils need to feel safe and supported whilst at school and anything we can do to achieve this will help them to feel accepted and prepared for life after school.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? Do you have any hobbies or fun interests?

I enjoy running, listening to music and watching my children play football.

Q: If you could have any superpower to help you as a Principal, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower as a Principal, it would be the ability to instantly understand and empathise with each student's emotional and academic needs. This power would allow me to truly understand what every student is going through on a deeper level—whether they're struggling with a subject, dealing with personal challenges, or thriving in a way that I can nurture further.

Q: Do you have a favourite book or author that inspires your work as an educator?

I am not sure I have a favourite book but I have always enjoyed teaching fantasy texts that allow pupils to be creative and think imaginatively.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you that pupils or staff might not know?

I used to be a kickboxer. I have a black belt in kick boxing and owned a kickboxing club called Shadow Martial Arts.