Matthew Curzon Dies at 42 After Leading Essex Primary School

Matthew Curzon, headteacher of St Mary's Church of England Foundation Primary School in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, has died from cancer at the age of 42, leaving a school community mourning a leader who spent 15 years supporting pupils, families and staff. He died on Saturday, and colleagues announced his passing on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Curzon progressed from classroom teacher to deputy headteacher and then headteacher at St Mary's. According to EssexLive, he played a significant role in improving the school's Ofsted rating from 'requires improvement' in 2018 to 'good' in 2022.

Kara Power, the school's acting headteacher, said Curzon's commitment extended beyond academic leadership to the wellbeing and development of every child.

"He dedicated his career to the children, families and staff of our school and was passionate about ensuring every child felt happy, valued and supported."

Power said children's wellbeing consistently guided his approach and that he wanted the school to provide an environment where all pupils could flourish.

"Children's wellbeing was always his priority, and he believed wholeheartedly that school should be a place where every child could thrive."

During his career, Curzon developed relationships throughout the school community and worked directly with pupils at different stages of their education. Power recalled his activities with younger children, computing lessons and support for Year 6 pupils during residential trips.

"He genuinely loved spending time with the children. Whether he was sitting on the floor in Early Years playing trains, teaching computing across the school or supporting Year 6 pupils on their residential trips, he brought warmth, enthusiasm and joy to every interaction."

Power also highlighted his personal knowledge of the children and the importance he placed on recognizing their progress and achievements.

"He knew our children incredibly well and took great pride in celebrating their achievements, both big and small."

Curzon grew up in west London and lived in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, with his wife, Victoria. Before and during his career in education, he also worked at Great Bardfield Primary School near Braintree, Essex, according to the BBC and the Bishop's Stortford Independent.

His contribution to the wider community included helping produce protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, the Bishop's Stortford Independent reported that Curzon used four 3D printers at his home to manufacture dozens of plastic face shields for doctors' surgeries, first responders and paramedics in Bishop's Stortford, Stansted and Sawbridgeworth.

At the time, pupils who were children of key workers also helped make protective masks at school, according to the local newspaper. The effort provided personal protective equipment for people working on the front lines of the pandemic.

Power said Curzon's influence reached far beyond his formal responsibilities and would be felt by pupils, families, governors, colleagues and others who knew him.

"His loss will be felt deeply by our pupils, families, governors and staff, as well as by the many people whose lives he touched throughout his career."

She described his contribution as a lasting example of care and dedication to the school community.

"We will remember him not only as an exceptional leader, but also as a kind, caring and dedicated individual who gave so much of himself to the school he loved."

St Mary's announced that the school would close on Monday, October 12, following his death. According to EssexLive, the school hall remained open for people wishing to write in a book of condolences or spend time remembering Curzon.