Chief Executive Officer / Proprietor

Matthew McCann

Matthew has built a career across specialist and alternative provision, working in a range of senior leadership and Headteacher roles within SEMH education. His experience spans curriculum leadership, safeguarding, behaviour and inclusion, and developing high-quality, relational environments where vulnerable young people can re-engage and succeed.

As Co-Founder of Apex Specialist Education, Matthew helped establish the organisation with a clear commitment to providing accessible, trauma-informed and aspirational provision for pupils who have struggled in mainstream settings. He holds a Masters in Education (MA) achieved with Distinction, further strengthening his expertise in school improvement and specialist pedagogy.

In his role as CEO, Matthew leads the strategic direction of Apex, ensuring each centre maintains strong safeguarding practice, high standards of teaching, and a culture built around The Apex Way. He works closely with the leadership team, governors, local authorities and partner schools to secure the best outcomes for every pupil.

Matthew remains deeply driven by a belief that all young people deserve the chance to feel safe, understood and able to achieve meaningful success — regardless of the barriers they have faced.