Episode 47: Matt Jones OBE, headteacher of Ark Global Academy, on his journey from footballer to advocate of equal opportunities in education

Our latest guest on Heads & Tales was a particularly exciting one for lifelong Chelsea fan Henry Faber . Before moving into the world of education, Matt Jones OBE was on Chelsea's books as a schoolboy, eventually going on to play for Southend United. Matt is now the headteacher of Ark Globe Academy , a mixed all-through school in London, executive principal of Ark Evelyn Grace Academy , chair of the Southwark Association of Secondary Headteachers and the founder of The Elephant Group , a charity dedicated to improving university access for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

His tireless work and vast accolade was recognised with an OBE in 2020. Matt's conversation with Henry covers his journey from pitch to the classroom, his philosophy on leadership and the transformative power of equal opportunity.

??? Episode highlights

• Matt discusses his mentors, sharing how a network of headteachers, known as Talking Heads, supported and shaped his leadership journey.
• He shares an early anecdote from his schoolboy football days at Chelsea and the lesson it taught him about striving for excellence.
• Matt discusses the challenges of turning around Ark Globe Academy, including the difficult but necessary staff restructure he led on.
• A proud moment for him was seeing a student’s passion for poetry transform school culture and witnessing the same student become their first Oxbridge graduate.
• He talks about the importance of providing opportunities for untapped talent and why elite universities and careers should be accessible to all, not just those from private schools.
• Matt’s recommends his favourite content, including the book Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson—a fascinating insight into leadership, teamwork and purpose from the legendary Chicago Bulls coach.
• His ultimate advice for educators: always be curious. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing.

Heads & Tales is a podcast series from mentoring company Oppidan Education where leaders from the world of education are asked the same seven questions.

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