New Oratory headmaster described as ‘perfect fit’

A NEW headmaster has been appointed by the Oratory School in Woodcote.

Dr Julian Murphy will replace Joe Smith, who is leaving after seven years at the independent, co-educational Catholic school to take up another headship in London.

He will take up his post at the start of the new academic year in September 2023.

Dr Murphy has been head of Loughborough Amherst School in Leicestershire, also a co-educational Catholic school, for the past six years.

He was previously director of studies at Woldingham School in Surrey. He was educated at Birkbeck College and Oxford University.

He is married to Karen, an art teacher and the couple have two children, aged 11 and nine.

Dr Murphy said: “I am thrilled to be taking up this appointment.

“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, art, drama and music that resilient and creative characters are nurtured — people 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 per cent and broadened the school’s extra-curricular offering.

The school is also now part of a Lawn Tennis Association scheme to host and educate some of the UK’s elite junior tennis players.

Pascale Lo, who chairs the board of governors at the Oratory, said: “We have found the ‘perfect fit’ in Dr Murphy to build on Joe’s tremendous achievements.

“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, 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.”

Mr Smith was appointed headmaster of the Oratory Preparatory School in Goring Heath in 2009 and moved to the senior school in 2015.

He said: “I am thrilled at the appointment of Dr Murphy. When he visited the school recently I was hugely struck by his intelligence, his warmth and his genuine interest in the school, its values and its people.

“I will work closely with Julian over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”

The Oratory is a day and boarding school for 375 pupils aged 11 to 18.