Mr Matthew Kendler
Assistant Headteacher (Personal Development) and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Matthew joined Yavneh College in September 2013 as Head of the Humanities department and teacher of History and Politics. In 2018 he was appointed Assistant Headteacher and was Head of Sixth Form for four years until becoming responsible for Personal Development. This is still his current role as well as taking on the position of Designated Safeguarding Lead as of September 2024. Matthew is very proud to be one of the longest serving teachers at Yavneh College.
Mr Russell Goldstein
Head of Key Stage 3
Mr. Goldstein has been a dedicated member of the Yavneh community for over seven years, known for his commitment to both academic excellence and student wellbeing. As a Head of Year for the last four years, he has consistently provided strong pastoral support, helping students navigate the challenges of secondary school. Beyond his leadership role, Mr. Goldstein is renowned for bringing humour and energy to his lessons, making learning both enjoyable and engaging for his students.
In addition to his career in education, Mr. Goldstein has a distinguished background in sports, having represented England over 52 times for Futsal. His teamwork and resilience are qualities that he brings into the classroom, inspiring students both in and out of lessons.
Mrs Rebecca Layton
Head of Key Stage 4
Mr Aaron Conway
Pastoral Manager
Aaron first joined Yavneh as a student in 2008 before studying a BSc (Hons) in Animal Biology from Nottingham Trent University. He returned to Yavneh in a staff capacity in 2020, and he has worked in numerous departments including SEND and Science. Aaron is one of our Pastoral Managers as well as co-ordinating the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at Yavneh. He is passionate about wellbeing, and how it impacts our students’ abilities to learn and thrive at school, and the Pastoral office is always open for students who need it, along with a friendly face and a box of chocolates too.
Mrs Dina Jacobson
Head of Year 7
Dina is extremely proud to have worked at Yavneh College since the day that it opened in 2006. She is a key member of the Yavneh family and is known by staff and past pupils. Having been here for so long Dina has seen the school grow from only 90 something pupils to the full size it is today and is very proud to know so much about the school’s past.
Before Yavneh College Dina worked at the board of deputies. She has a BSc in Social Policy and Government from LSE.
Dina is a member of the Jewish studies department where she held the post of deputy head of department for the last five years. Dina’s key area of responsibility in the department was sixth form and she was head of sixth form Jewish studies from 2017-2025. In this role Dina created a new Jewish studies programme for the sixth form and organised many volunteering opportunities for the students. She also supported the sixth form pastorally and mentored several students who needed additional pastoral input.
Dina prides herself on seeing the good in all pupils and believes that all pupils need praise and belief to allow them to achieve their best. Additionally, Dina has worked with new staff and mentored them in their first years of teaching helping them to improve their practice.
Dina has a keen interest in Holocaust studies and recently completed a master’s module at UCL in teaching the Holocaust. She has been on ten Poland trips with the sixth form.
Outside of school Dina is a proud Mum to three children. She loves walking, trips to the theatre and a good shopping trip.
Mr Eli Gordon
Head Of Year 8
Mr Gordon joined Yavneh College in September 2020. After being a student at the school he returned as a member of the IJE department. Following this, he earned his teaching qualification from the London School of Jewish Studies, and subsequently transferred to the Geography department. In 2023, he became the Deputy Head of Year 9 and is now the Head of Year 7. Mr Gordon has a BSc(hons) degree in Geography from the University of Birmingham.
Miss Megan Vales
Head Of Year 9
Miss Vales joined Yavneh’s English department in 2021 and took on a Head of Year role in 2023. Prior to this, she was the KS3 lead for English. She studied at Cardiff University achieving a BA Honours degree and her PGCE. As the Head of Year 8 she is responsible for overseeing the academic progress, wellbeing and personal development of all Year 8 students. She is also there to support pupils with the emotional and social needs.
Mr Barry Kagan
Head of Year 10
Mr Kagan, originally from Cape Town, recently joined the Yavneh College community and has taken on the role of Acting Head of Year 10. With a degree in Economics and a passion for education, he brings with him a wealth of pastoral experience from his previous school, where he served in roles including Year 7 Transition Co-ordinator, Assistant Head of Year 8, Head of Year 9, and Assistant Head of Key Stage 4. Teaching in the Jewish Studies department, Mr Kagan is dedicated to bringing out the best in each student and in fostering a strong sense of their self-worth.
Mrs Jess Rhodes
Head Of Year 11
Jess Rhodes has been a valued part of the Yavneh College community since 2013, when she first joined as an Art teacher. In 2015, she took on the role of Subject Leader for Art, and by 2018, she was stepping into the position of Acting Deputy Head of Sixth Form. For the past four years, Jess has been the Head of Year for Key Stage 4, where she’s become a familiar and trusted face, dedicating herself to inspiring creativity and helping each student reach their full potential. Outside of school, Jess is a proud mum of two daughters and loves a good karaoke session!
Contact Our Staff
Please email admin@yavnehcollege.org to contact any of the above and your email will be forwarded to the relevant person.
