The Oratory School is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Julian Murphy as its new Head Master.

Dr Murphy, Head of Loughborough Amherst School in Leicestershire, will take over the running of the school from Joe Smith in September 2023.

Joe has enjoyed 13 extremely successful years at The Oratory – firstly the OPS for six years and then as Head Master of the senior school. He has overseen a rapid period of development, consolidating our position as a leading co-educational Catholic school.

The whole school community is sorry to see him and his wife, Debbie, go but wishes him all the best in his new headship at St Benedict’s in Ealing, West London.

From an extremely strong field of applicants, it was Dr Murphy who stood out as the most aligned with The Oratory’s ethos, its values and traditions. The Board of Governors believe he is the ‘perfect fit’ for our school – a passionate educator with the depth of experience required to build on Joe’s tremendous achievements.

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.”

Dr Murphy will be visiting our school regularly over the next six months to get to know the community better and to learn more about its values and traditions.

We are looking forward to offering him a very warm welcome!