St Matthew Academy

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St Matthew Academy
Motto 'Let Your Light Shine'
Established 2007
Type Academy
Affiliations Roman Catholic Church, Business and Enterprise Academy
Chaplain Marie Mann
Students 965 (as of 2007)
Grades R–11
Location Blackheath, London, England, United Kingdom
Campus 16 hectares (40 acres)
Colours Blue and Gold
Website www.stmatthewacademy.co.uk

St Matthew Academy is a Roman Catholic Academy located in Blackheath, London. The school specialises in business and enterprise for children aged 3 to 16. The school opened in September 2007 after the closing of St Joseph's Academy and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School.

The Academy had a new build budget of £38 million and was designed to be a state-of-the-art teaching centre with a focus on new innovative methods of teaching.

The Academy is the first Roman Catholic all through Academy from Reception to Year 11.

St Matthew Academy is a specialist college in Business and Enterprise under the Specialist School's Trust.

The Principal of the Academy was Mrs. Monica Cross, with the two Deputy Principals Mr. Michael Barry and Mr. David Allison.

[edit] The Three Houses of St Matthew Academy

When children join St Matthew’s, whether in Reception or Year 7, they will be placed into one of three Houses. Romero, Teresa and Mandela, named after Archbishop Oscar Romero, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Nelson Mandela.

The lives of these figures of the 20th century demonstrate powerfully the difference ordinary, individual humans can make and are real examples of commitment, dedication, courage and integrity. All three of these individuals truly ‘let their light shine’ and are inspirational role models for our children.

The House system will help children quickly find themselves at home in the Academy, being supported and guided by older students in their House. Older student volunteers will be trained to become ‘mentors’ to younger children, helping them find their feet, offering friendship to the lonely and helping them remember academy routines and ‘rules’.