The Matthew Arnold School is one of the founding schools of the Bourne Education Trust (BET), a multi-academy trust led by Alex Russell, OBE. Whilst the school retains its unique character as a focal point of the community it serves, its ethos and core values are shared by all schools within the trust (currently 21, of which 8 are secondaries). 

Lessons at The Matthew Arnold School ensure that all students have the chance to experience a broad and in-depth curriculum, in all subject areas across the school. 

Our aim is to ensure we have successful learners who are equipped to thrive in life beyond school, who are aspirational and confident in the choices that they make.

People are what makes this school special. From the inquisitive, happy children who grow into confident, articulate young adults during their time here, to our talented, dedicated staff who teach, care for, and guide our students to ‘Dream Big, Work Hard and Achieve’.

Our philosophy is that education is all about learning to improve as well as developing character. We strive to ensure our students are challenging themselves, reaching outside their comfort zone and becoming prepared to go out into the world, ready to make a difference. Our students are therefore at the centre of everything we do. We expect them to work hard and to achieve their very best academically and we provide them with the skills and attributes relevant for higher and further education and employment in the 21st Century. We strive for academic excellence in every area of the curriculum and, through a rigorous process, set challenging, but ultimately achievable targets. Through high quality teaching, in brand new facilities, students demonstrate their thirst for learning. This, along with a personalised approach to education, is what makes this school a very happy and cohesive environment.

Our aim is not simply to help our young people to obtain the very best qualifications so that doors to the future remain wide open; it is also to produce rounded and grounded young adults who are ready and equipped to take their place in society. In short, we want to ensure that our students can make valid contributions to society and ultimately have a future they can be proud of. In upholding these principles, we ensure that we get the best out of every student whatever their talent may be.

Assal Ruse

Headteacher

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Bourne Education Trust (‘BET’) was established in 2011 and has grown steadily since then. It is largely Surrey based, but has also expanded into Hampshire and Richmond. It is made up of 21 academies, 4 associate schools and one free school due to open in September 2024. Of its 26 schools, 14 are primaries, 9 are secondaries, and, with the new free school, 3 are specialist schools. It is responsible for the education of approximately 12,500 pupils and employs just over 1,300 staff. The Trust is organised into both phases and clusters to support collaboration.

The size of its schools ranges from a one-form entry primary to an eight-form entry secondary school with a sixth form. Schools are equally important and carry the same influence in terms of decision-making within the Trust. Each school has its own Head and Local Governing Committee. The Trust is led by Alex Russell, Kate Sanders, Rob Isaac and Penny Alford.

To find out more about BET please click here