Matthew Judd

Christ’s Hospital has appointed Matthew Judd as head from September next year, succeeding Simon Reid.

Christ’s Hospital is a boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18 located in Horsham, West Sussex.

Judd has been head of Leighton Park School in Reading, Berkshire, since 2018 and was previously second master and head of the prep and pre-prep schools at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School and principal at Mander Portman Woodward. He has a degree in geography from the University of Wales, Swansea and a PGCE from Queens’ College, Cambridge.

Judd said: “I am honoured and thrilled to be appointed as head of Christ’s Hospital. I first visited the school as a local boy from Crawley around 30 years ago; its mission has always resonated with me both professionally and personally. The wealth of opportunity and the deep sense of pride in being part of such a diverse and vibrant school community was very obvious to me when I visited before my interview. I am delighted and inspired to be invited to lead a school with such a proud history and contemporary outlook.

“Looking to the future, I will be moving onsite with my husband Ian over the summer holiday in 2025 and look forward to getting to know the staff, students, parents, governors and Old Blues in the months that follow.”

Reid commented: “I am very pleased for CH that a person of Matthew’s stature and experience has been appointed. Having got to know Matthew a little from my time on various HMC committees, it is exciting that we have found a head who will add his own many strengths to those of the school. Naturally, over the coming terms, I shall be working with Matthew to ensure that the process of transition at this historic and great school is as smooth as possible.”