The Oratory School is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Head Master.
Dr Julian Murphy, Head of Loughborough Amherst School in Leicestershire, will take up the post in September 2023.
He is replacing Joe Smith, who, in his seventh successful year as Head Master, is leaving to
take up another headship in London in the Autumn.
“We have found the ‘perfect fit’ in Dr Murphy to build on Joe’s tremendous achievements,” said chair of governors, Pascale Lo. “As a leading co-educational Catholic school, I am pleased to say that we attracted an extremely strong field of applicants. Dr Murphy stood out as the candidate most aligned with our ethos, our values and traditions. He is a passionate educator who brings with him a depth of experience to carry the school forward to its next phase.”
Educated at Birkbeck College and Oxford University, Dr Murphy has been Head at
Loughborough Amherst, also a co-educational Catholic school, for the past six years.
Previously he was Director of Studies at Woldingham School in Surrey. His wife, an art teacher, and his two children will be joining him at The Oratory School.
“I am thrilled to be taking up this appointment,” said Dr Murphy. “On my visits to the school I have been struck by the warm and friendly atmosphere of the community, and its commitment to a breadth of education where every pupil has a chance to shine.
“There is a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities which, for me, are the mark of a great school. It is through sport, through art, drama and music that resilient and creative characters are nurtured – people who can cope with anything life throws at them.”
Dr Murphy said that he was looking forward to visiting The Oratory regularly over the next six months to get to know the community and to learn more about its values and traditions. He added: “In Catholicism, we talk about ‘servant leadership’ when it comes to heading up an organisation. You are given something precious, and your primary job is to look after it.”
At Loughborough Amherst, Dr Murphy has been responsible for overseeing the transition from a girls’ day school to a co-educational boarding school. He has increased pupil numbers by 70% and broadened the school’s extra-curricular offering. The school is also now part of a pioneering Lawn Tennis Association scheme to host and educate some of the UK’s elite junior tennis players.
The Oratory School is an HMC co-educational Roman Catholic day and boarding school for 375 pupils aged 11–18. Outgoing Head Master Joe Smith joined the Oratory Schools
Association 13 years ago, firstly as Head Master of The Oratory Preparatory School and for
the last 7 years Head Master of The Oratory School.
Founded in 1859 by Saint John Henry Newman it is located on a 100-acre site in Woodcote, 6 miles north-west of Reading.
In 2021, the Independent Schools Inspectorate rated The Oratory School ‘excellent’ for
pupils’ academic and other achievements and also pupils’ personal development.
Inspectors said students demonstrated high levels of self-understanding for their age, that
they showed self-confidence in many areas of school life, were resilient and adapted well to
new situations.
The Oratory School next open day will take place on Saturday 4 March, where you will be able to explore the facilities in their beautiful surroundings and meet staff and pupils in person. Register in advance.
