Dr Julian Murphy will be stepping down from his role as Head of The Oratory School, effective Wednesday, April 2, to focus on family priorities; and for the remainder of the Lent term, Mr Matthew Fogg will serve as Acting Head.

The Governors are grateful for all Dr Murphy has accomplished during his time at the school.

His contributions have been significant, including fostering a new learning culture, streamlining academic reporting and student voice processes, and shaping the development of an updated, clear and inspiring school identity and values.

The Oratory community wishes Dr Murphy and his family every happiness as they embark on this next chapter of their lives.

Dr Murphy commented: “It has been an honour and a great pleasure to serve as Head of The Oratory for the last 18 months.

"It is a fine school, and I wish its staff, students, and parents all the best for the future. I am delighted to hear Mr Fogg will be appointed as Head, and know he will be a wonderful leader of The Oratory community.”

Having considered the matter carefully, the Governors are also very pleased to confirm they intend to appoint Mr Fogg as Head of The Oratory School from April 3.

Mr Fogg said: "It is an extraordinary honour to be able to take on the role of Acting Head at Saint John Henry Newman's school, and I am conscious of the responsibility which comes with leading and ensuring its continued success.

"I know many of you already, having arrived here as Deputy Head in 2018 - I had previously been a Housemaster and Head of Theology at Ampleforth College as well as coaching rugby throughout my time at the school.

"My wife, Vicky, and I moved here, along with our children Bella and Leo, seven years ago, because of our desire to work in a school rooted in its Catholic heritage and providing all its students with the opportunity to flourish spiritually, academically, in their sporting and cultural lives, and to build friendships which would last a lifetime.

"I spoke to all of the students at assembly last week about what a special school community this is.

"We are a small and close community which allows us to know each other well; it allows us to base our relationships on Newman’s ideal of “Heart speaking to Heart”, and it allows every student to be encouraged to be themselves and yet, at the same time, become more."

He continued: "In this context, I have a promise to make as the new Head of this school.

"It is this:

"I shall do everything in my power, along with all the wonderful staff here, to ensure as well as building on the academic performance, and on our sporting achievements, where we already punch above our weight, I will personally encourage each and every student to develop the skills, human skills, which set the scene for a life fully lived.

"I want all of our students to do well - and to do good. Qualities such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, compassion, generosity of spirit must not just be talked about, but lived, shared and witnessed in daily life.

"There is a real energy at The Oratory. We are up to the challenge of our competitive market, and our students are living proof of this. We have a wonderful school, with wonderful boys and girls, families and OO’s.

"My job is to guard and build on exactly that.

"The Old Oratorian community will be a crucial part of this future. We recognise we benefit from the love and enthusiasm so many have for this school and I look forward to working with the alumni to develop these links further.

"I have already enjoyed being able to speak with many of you on the touchlines and hope to catch up with others at upcoming OO Events.

"Please know you are always welcome back at your school for fixtures, plays, recitals and other events."