Dr Julian Murphy

Ruthin School in Denbighshire has appointed Dr Julian Murphy as its new director of studies. He will join the school in a designate capacity from June and take up the role formally from September.

Ruthin is a coeducational boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18.

Dr Murphy has a track record in academic leadership, having spent eight years as director of studies at Woldingham School in Surrey and later going on to lead The Oratory School in Oxfordshire as headmaster.

At Ruthin, Murphy will oversee the school’s academic strategy and will manage the introduction of High Performance Learning – a framework “that helps pupils develop the cognitive skills and values needed to access high levels of achievement”. Originally developed by Dr Deborah Eyre of Oxford, High Performance Learning has been adopted by more than 60 schools worldwide.

Murphy said: “I am very excited to be joining such an ambitious and forward-looking leadership team, and I am particularly looking forward to leading the introduction of High Performance Learning at Ruthin School.”

Headteacher Frances King commented: “Julian’s depth of experience as an academic leader, combined with his enthusiasm for curriculum development and innovation, makes him an excellent addition to our senior team. We are delighted to welcome him at a time when we are preparing to introduce High Performance Learning – a framework we believe will bring long-term academic benefits to all of our students.”

Ruthin School is part of the Galaxy Global Group, an international education group with a portfolio of schools in the UK and overseas.