Boarder, Forces child, Corporal, house parent and family man

Matthew Powell, Head of Boys Boarding, Mount St Mary’s College

Matthew Powell, has a particular understanding of the needs of Forces children in boarding schools, having been a child of Forces parents and himself a pupil at a boarding school. His father Glyn came to Mount St Mary’s College as the SSI in charge of the Combined Cadet Force on leaving the Army and is now the contingent commander in the rank of Lt Colonel. Along with his wife Sue, he became a house parent for nine years, for the sixth form boys. Even when Glyn’s wife, who was also in the Army, was posted to Cyprus with their daughter Holly for two years, Glyn continued in the role as housemaster, so understands what an unaccompanied posting is all about.

Matthew himself joined up, becoming a Corporal in the Royal Military Police, and was deployed on operations for two and a half years before joining the Mount two years ago in charge of boys boarding, with his wife Ruth.

Following in the family footsteps, Matthew and Ruth have just celebrated the birth of a new addition to the Powell family (Christian) and a third generation of Powells at the Mount. Even Matthew’s sister, Hollie, grew up with around 40 ‘brothers’ along with Matthew; boarding at the Mount is like being part of an extended family.

Matthew therefore has a greater understanding than most of what Forces families need to find in their choice of boarding school, and consequently their child’s housemaster (although the sign on Matt’s door reads ‘House Parents’). ‘We really are in loco parentis,’ he says. ‘We deal with far more issues than a teacher would be expected to be concerned with – down to the mundane everyday problems facing your average child, such as locating a lost shoe. There is a deliberate distinction between discipline issues arising in school time and things that arise after school, within the house. While a teacher may set lines or arrange a detention for a problem arising during school time, a boarding offence may result in not being allowed to watch television or visit the tuck shop.’

For Matthew, his main concern is not discipline but the general welfare of his charges, and ensuring they are happy. ‘Although discipline is key, often a gentler approach works much better than a heavy hand. Trying to get 55 lads from the ages of 11 to 18 to sing off the same hymn sheet can be hard, but the rewards are great. I really enjoy working in a family environment where everyone’s opinions are considered, and having my family with me all the time, as well as having 55 boys that keep me laughing on a daily basis! To see the pupils’ progress through the school and beyond, and make something of themselves, and know that I have a little to do with making them successful, is a really good feeling.

‘Recently a parent said to me that not only was her son not as moody, but even makes his own bed and tidies his room when he comes home on holidays. That kind of great feedback makes it all worthwhile!’

There are many options to board at Mount St Mary’s from age 11 – full-time, weekly or flexi – helping busy parents. Pupils have en-suite facilities and enjoy the chance to have no commute, develop greater independence, focus on their studies and enjoy socialising with other teenagers. There are also plenty of organised activities and outings after school and at weekends, to make sure boarders have the opportunity to try new activities and experiences.

Matthew says, ‘Much of my time involves spending time with the boarders, arranging activities and, more simply, being there as a listening ear.’ Matthew and Ruth phone parents regularly to share good news about their children’s progress, not just to discuss problems. Matthew does suggest that for families tied to tight leave that it is worth checking that your chosen school has flexible exeat arrangements, otherwise your child’s ‘leave’ and the parents’ may never coincide.

Many Forces parents choose schools with a strong CCF contingent and sporting tradition, as factors they can identify with. Matthew’s father Glyn has enjoyed his move from the military to school life and reckons the past gives him a special bond with Forces children. ‘They know I understand their situation,’ he comments.

Choosing a good boarding school should offer your child lots of chances to explore their talents and potential – in music, drama or art – as well as in the more physical pursuits that most people associated with such schools in the past.

House staff will help to ensure that your children are getting involved in a variety of activities, fitting in to the community and developing emotionally, so that they leave school as happy, well-adjusted and rounded individuals. That is surely the end goal of what every parent wants for their child and what every house parent at a boarding school aims for, for their extended family.

Matthew Powell was born at the RAF base Akrotiri, Cyprus, following which his father’s postings took him to Germany, Brunei and the UK. Matthew attended Barnard Castle Prep School as a boarder, was then based in Northern Ireland and eventually studied for an HND in Building Management at Queen’s University Belfast. While studying there, he was in the Queen’s University Officer Training Corps and travelled with it to Germany, Cyprus, Holland, Canada and France. He Joined the Royal Military Police in 1999, serving in Northern Ireland, Aldershot, Kosovo and at SHAPE in Belgium. He left the Army in 2007 and joined Mount St Mary’s College as a Housemaster. He is also a Special Constable with the South Yorkshire Police.