New Deputy Headmaster is on a mission to have impact on local community

A new Deputy Headmaster at Sidcot School has pledged to throw himself into the life of the local community and strengthen relationships between the Quaker school and villagers in Winscombe. Matt Williams, 39, has this week (1 September) joined Sidcot where part of his role will be to work with students to have a positive impact on the community.

Matt, who has relocated to Winscombe from Rugby in Warwickshire, with his wife Nicola and three children Henry, 7, Anna, 4, and Joseph, 2, said: “Sidcot is a very forward-thinking school and there are lots of opportunities for students to have a positive impact on their community and to learn from the experiences of people who live here. There are some incredible connections between the school and the village – for example our links with Winscombe Rugby Club and the former students and teachers who now live at Sewell House - and I want our students to understand these and to be able to give something back.”

Before moving to Sidcot, the new Deputy Headmaster was a Housemaster and taught Drama and English at Rugby one of the oldest independent schools in the UK. Matt is also passionate about sport – rugby and cricket in particular – and intends to volunteer to help to coach the younger residents in his neighbourhood. He said: “We have been made to feel so welcome and we are enjoying living in the heart of the village. I am keen to throw myself into village life and looking forward to getting involved with the different sporting clubs and social activities which make Winscombe such a vibrant place to live.”

Matt would welcome the chance to discuss any opportunities for Sidcot students to get involved with community projects and can be contacted by email matt.williams@sidcot.org.uk or by calling 01934 843102. Many of the school’s facilities and activities like the Equestrian Centre, Swimming Pool and Arts Centre are accessible to the community and members of the public are encouraged to view the range of events and activities on offer at www.sidcot.org.uk