The Oratory is grateful for all that 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 wish Dr Murphy and his family every happiness as they embark on this next chapter of their lives.
Dr Murphy says, “It has been an honour and a great pleasure to serve as Head of The Oratory for the last eighteen 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 that Mr Fogg will be appointed as Headmaster, and know that he will be a wonderful leader of The Oratory community.” 

Mr Matthew Fogg has been Deputy Head of The Oratory School since 2018. He is a graduate of Durham University and has spent his entire career in Catholic boarding schools. Matthew has two children, both of whom are students at the school and his wife, Dr Vicky Fogg, is Housemaster of The Oratory’s girls’ house, Wootten House. Matthew and The Oratory’s Leadership Team remain fully committed to ensuring the growth and continued success of The Oratory and will continue to strengthen its links with the local community, while ensuring that student wellbeing remains at the heart of all decisions.

Mr Fogg says, “I would like to add my voice to that of The Oratory School’s community in wishing Dr Murphy and his family all the best for the future. I have enjoyed working with him during the last year and a half. I consider it to be an extraordinary honour to be able to take on the role of Headmaster at Saint John Henry Newman's school, and to build on the very many achievements and successes to date.

Vicky and I moved to The Oratory in Woodcote, along with our children Bella and Leo, 7 years ago, because of our desire to work in a school that is rooted in its Catholic heritage and which provides all of its students with the opportunity to flourish both spiritually and academically, in their sporting and cultural lives, and to make friendships that will last a lifetime.

I shall do everything in my power, along with all the wonderful staff here, to ensure that as well as building on The Oratory’s 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, that 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 and generosity of spirit must not just be talked about, but lived, shared and witnessed in our daily lives.”

Mr Fogg would be delighted to meet new and prospective families interested in learning more about The Oratory and everything it has to offer at The Oratory’s next Open Morning on Saturday 1 March. Please click here to book your place.