THE headteacher of Launceston College is set to take charge of another Cornish school.

In 2024, Matthew Thompson was appointed as principal at Launceston College. Now, two years on, Mr Thompson is set to become executive principal of both Launceston College and Pool Academy.

The change comes following the announcement that current principal at Pool Academy, Nick Ward, will be leaving the position at the end of this academic year.

Athena Learning Trust has said that Mr Thompson will work directly with the communities in Launceston and Pool, leading both schools while also sharing his experience and expertise more widely across the trust.

Mr Thompson previously served as regional director at Athena Learning Trust and has taught and trained teachers in China, Tanzania and across the UK.

The trust says the move to an executive principal model “recognises the strong progress made at Launceston College in recent years”. The college’s Attainment 8 score has risen again to 47.8, up from 46.0 in 2024.

It reports that last summer a record 54 per cent of students achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and maths, continuing a steady upward trend from previous years.

However, despite this, his leadership has not been without controversy. During his time at Launceston College, the school has come under fire as parents of children attending the school have expressed their concern at the school’s treatment of students.

In July 2025, one parent told the Post, that the school’s treatment of students was “prison-like”, stating that there are ‘too many needless detentions results in kids giving up, and assuming school is just detention. They are not being encouraged to learn, they are being beaten down mentally.’

However, Mr Thompson defended the college’s record stating: “When a student disrupts the learning of others despite a warning, they'll spend a limited period in a dedicated support setting. During this time, they'll continue their education via our online curriculum and receive targeted interventions to help them address the root causes of their behaviour, catch up on reading or maths, or follow lessons mirroring their in-class studies. This approach ensures their learning continues uninterrupted while they gain the skills to return to the classroom successfully.”

The trust has expressed that over the coming weeks, its governing body will work closely with Mr Thompson to confirm a strong leadership structure that ensures day to day operations remain focused on students, teaching quality and wellbeing.

While his formal appointment begins in September, Mr Thompson has already started strategic planning to support both schools.

Mr Thompson, said: “I am proud to be taking on this role and grateful for the trust placed in me by Athena Learning Trust. Both Launceston College and Pool Academy are strong schools with committed staff and caring communities.

“My focus will be on working closely with students, families and colleagues in both settings to ensure continuity, high expectations and a calm, supportive learning environment where every young person feels valued and able to succeed.”