4 minute read
CCCS Meet the Head
Meet the Headteacher – Mr Richard Murray, Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS)
Mr Richard Murray started as Headteacher Christ Church Cathedral School in January 2014 having previously worked as both Housemaster and English Teacher in other schools since beginning his teaching career in 1990.
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He kindly took time out of his busy day to answer Families Oxfordshire Magazine’s questions.
1. What and / or who inspired you to become a teacher and later a headteacher?
When I was at Bradfield, I loved English but it was only when my teacher, Mr Whiffin, introduced us to a sonnet by Keats that I fully realised the power of poetic language. Mr Whiffin transformed my appreciation of words was transformed and I realised that I, too, wanted to pass on this gift to others.
2. What does being a headteacher of a school mean to you?
So much! I have the privilege of being in a position where I can create an environment in which young people can flourish and,of course, it is the early years which are most formative.
3. How do you think a headteacher of a school can make a real difference to an individual student?
By getting to know them well. Besides feedback from teachers and parents, my time at the school gate, in the dining hall and on the
Christ Church Cathedral School, Oxford
Independent Day School for Boys 3 - 13 & Girls 3 - 5, Flexi-Boarding for Boys 8 - 13
Pre-Prep Open Events 'Out of this World'
A Journey into Space Stay & Play Open Morning for Pre-School children on Wednesday 28th September 9.30 – 11.30 am
An expedition to our Woodland School Open Afternoon for Pre-Prep children on Friday 30th September 2.00 – 3.30 pm
To register: registrar@cccs.org.uk | 01865 242561
www.cccs.org.uk | 3 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1QW
Find us by bike or on foot. Parking is also available.
sidelines is essential to understanding what makes each pupil tick. A short conversation in the playground is worth so much. The better I know each pupil, their quirks, talents and ambitions, the more I can ensure that they receive the guidance they need.
4. What advice would you give to parents looking at private education for the first time?
Firstly, that it is absolutely worth it – nothing is more important than an education for a child. The benefits are life-long and there is no more important investment. Secondly that no two independent schools are the same so choose one which will suit your child best.
5. How affected do you feel pupils have been by the COVID pandemic?
The impact of Covid at CCCS was minimised by our excellent online provision throughout the pandemic. Pupils at independent schools generally were at an advantage in this regard but it was hard to mitigate against the effect of the absence of face-to-face social interaction - the bread and butter of an education - and undoubtedly some pupils suffered anxiety as a result of this.
6. CCCS is predominantly a boys-only school with a co-educational Nursery which allows girls to go on to Pre-Prep. What do you believe are the main benefits of boys-only schools?
At the Prep School level, there are huge benefits to boys being educated in a single sex environment. They are more able to be themselves and are not under any pressure to fit into stereotypical roles. They are free to excel at whatever activities they wish, be that Rugby, playing the oboe, knitting or Architecture.
7. 2021 / 2022 has been the first year where some semblance of normality has returned to daily school routines around the country. What, for you, have been the highlights in CCCS this academic year?
Our parents are an integral part of CCCS so we have loved having them back at all our school events. Everyone was able to gather again not only at Sports Day, our Music Competition in the Cathedral and Speech Day but also at the smaller events such as our Friends and Family Concert and weekly coffee after Cathedral Assembly, which are a way of life for us.
8. Talented singers and musicians have an amazing opportunity to join the Christ Church Cathedral Choir through a Choristership and can receive a bursary of up to 100% of fees. How important is maintaining the tradition of educating the Cathedral Choristers at CCCS – a tradition that has been in place since 1546?
Completely vital. The choral tradition is one of the most precious cultural treasures of England, and unique to this country. Particularly in these fast-changing times, it is a source of great solace and strength to so many.
9. What is your real-life superpower?
The ability to get to know and understand others.
10. Relaxing holiday or active holiday?
Relaxation through activity. I love walking in the mountains and swimming in the sea.
