Matthew Burton

Matthew Burton is a Headteacher best known for his role in the multi-award-winning Channel 4 documentary series, Educating Yorkshire. He has spent his entire teaching career at Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, having joined in 2006 as a Newly Qualified Teacher of English. 

He rose to fame in 2013 as an English teacher and Assistant Headteacher during the airing of Educating Yorkshire. He is most fondly remembered for a breakthrough moment with student Musharaf Asghar, who struggled with a severe stammer. Using a technique inspired by the film The King’s Speech – having the student listen to music through headphones while speaking – he helped Musharaf successfully complete his English GCSE oral exam.

In November 2018, Burton was appointed Headteacher of Thornhill Community Academy. Under his leadership, the school follows two primary rules for students and staff – be nice, work hard. He has been a vocal advocate for the power of teaching to change lives, regardless of a child’s background.