Connection and a sense of belonging are at the heart of a positive school experience. This is what can and does set an excellent school apart from a good one – the ability to connect students, no matter their backgrounds, abilities or interests. Matt Macoustra has seen this as a cornerstone of leadership in the educational settings within which he has worked.

Having been an educator for more than 30 years, Matt has seen first-hand the transformative impact that education can have on individuals and communities.

Matt finished secondary school in the ACT and completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Sydney and subsequently began his teaching career with the NSW Department of Education in Macquarie Boys’ High School in Western Sydney. Matt was then afforded the opportunity to take up a position as a classroom teacher of PDHPE, Science and Geography at Barker College Hornsby. While working there he was awarded a Masters Degree in Leadership and Management in Education (with Distinction) from the University of Newcastle in 2013. Additionally, Matt graduated from the Association of Independent Schools NSW Flagship Leadership program in 2014. In 2019 he was admitted as an Honorary Fellow to the Teachers’ Guild of NSW for contributions to the teaching profession.

Matt concluded his time at Barker College after nearly 27 highly fulfilling years in April 2023. He was Deputy Head of the School for more than seven years, having previously undertaken the senior roles of Head of Sport and Head of Middle School. He commenced as Head of Newcastle Grammar School in July 2023.