Ampleforth College Head Resigns: A New Chapter Amid Past Challenges

Peter Roberts, headmaster of Ampleforth College in York, has resigned from his position due to medical reasons, as announced in an email to alumni and parents. This unexpected departure comes just days before students are set to return from summer break, marking another significant change for the institution.

Edward Sparrow, chairman of governors, expressed regret over the decision, noting that Roberts had joined the college in January 2023 with the mission to re-establish it as Europe's leading Catholic boarding school. During his tenure, Roberts had made progress in building confidence and increasing enrollment.

Ampleforth College, founded in 1802, has a rich history as a prestigious Catholic boarding school. Located in North Yorkshire, it is run by the Benedictine monks of Ampleforth Abbey and follows the English public school tradition. The school's motto, "Dieu le ward" (May God guard), reflects its strong Catholic ethos.

However, the institution has faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2004, North Yorkshire Police launched Operation Ellipse to investigate allegations of child sex abuse dating back to the 1960s. This inquiry led to the convictions of two former staff members in 2006. The 2018 Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) report found that school leaders had concealed abuse allegations to protect the church's reputation.

In response to these issues, the Department for Education (DfE) ordered the school to cease admissions in 2020 following an "inadequate" Ofsted rating. However, Ampleforth was saved from closure the following year after demonstrating satisfactory progress and implementing an action plan focused on safeguarding excellence.

Jon Mutton, the school's deputy head of pastoral care since 2011, will replace Roberts as acting headmaster. This transition occurs as Ampleforth continues its efforts to rebuild its reputation and ensure student safety.

"We owe him much and are very sorry to lose him, but he must put his health first."

Interestingly, this situation mirrors recent events at another prestigious institution. Simon Henderson, headmaster of Eton College, has also announced a medical leave of absence until January 2025. Both schools now face leadership transitions as they navigate challenges in the private education sector, including the impending VAT charge on private schools set to take effect in January 2025.

As Ampleforth College enters this new chapter, it continues to offer a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, maintaining its commitment to pastoral care and child protection. The school's unique blend of historic and modern architecture serves as a physical reminder of its ongoing journey to balance tradition with necessary reforms.