Bromley High School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mat Short as its new Chair of Governors.
Mat, who has served on the governing body for over a year, steps into the position to help guide the school through its next exciting phase of development. He succeeds Dominic Broom, who stepped down in July 2026 after six years of dedicated leadership.
A familiar and highly valued figure within the school community, Mat brings a powerful blend of high-level leadership, strategic governance, and a deep-rooted personal connection to Bromley High School. He is the proud father of two alumnae, Sophia and Jenna, who graduated from the Sixth Form in 2021 and 2024 respectively.
Mat’s distinguished career spans major corporate leadership and military service. Currently serving as the Data Centre Construction Risk Director for Microsoft in Europe, Mat previously spent 20 years as a Regular Royal Engineer Officer following his graduation from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1996, later holding several Director-level roles at HSBC. He continues to serve in the Army Reserve and was awarded an MBE in 2012 in recognition of his service.
Beyond his corporate and military achievements, Mat is a passionate advocate for youth development and outdoor learning. An avid sailor and qualified mountain leader, he has volunteered with the school’s Duke of Edinburgh scheme for the past decade, helping pupils build resilience, confidence, and leadership skills beyond the classroom.
Headmistress Emily Codling warmly welcomed the appointment, emphasising the strength of their working relationship:
“Having worked alongside Mat during his time on the governing body over the last year, I am thrilled to welcome him as our new Chair of Governors. His extraordinary background in risk management, strategic leadership, and military service, combined with his genuine devotion to Bromley High School as a parent and volunteer makes him uniquely placed to guide our governing body. As we embark on this next exciting stage of development for the school, I look forward to working closely with Mat to ensure our girls continue to thrive and learn without limits.”Emily Codling, Headmistress
Reflecting on his appointment, Mat Short shared his enthusiasm for the school’s future:
“Having been closely connected to Bromley High School for over a decade as a parent, volunteer, and more recently as a governor, it is a tremendous honour to step into the role of Chair. Seeing my own daughters flourish here gave me a firsthand appreciation for the empowering education this school provides. I am excited to support Emily Codling, our brilliant leadership team, and the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) as we steer Bromley High School into its next stage of growth, ensuring we continue to build world class opportunities for every pupil.”Mat Short, Chair of Governors
The entire Bromley High School community warmly congratulates Mat on his new role and extends its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Chair Dominic Broom for his years of exceptional service and unwavering devotion to the school.
