After seven years of dedicated leadership, Andrew Hobbs will be retiring from his role as Head of Downside School at the end of this academic year. During his tenure, he has overseen significant development across all areas of school life, championed academic excellence, and strengthened the school’s pastoral and boarding provision. His calm authority, individual commitment to pupils, and deep understanding of the school’s values will leave a lasting legacy.
We are pleased to announce that Michael Randall, the current Deputy Head, will become Interim Head from September 2025 to allow time for a full search and selection process prior to making a permanent appointment. Michael has worked alongside Andrew as Deputy Head for the past seven years and has played a central role in the strategic and operational leadership of the school. He has been instrumental in driving academic success, ensuring that Downside School is consistently ranked in the top five percent of schools nationally for value added, a testament to the school’s commitment to helping every pupil fulfil their potential.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr Randall said: “It has been a privilege to work so closely with Andrew, and I am delighted to take on the role of Interim Head. I look forward to building on the significant progress achieved over recent years and to supporting the whole community through this time of transition. We have achieved a great deal together, and there are exciting opportunities ahead..”
Mr Hobbs said: “It has been an honour be the Head at Downside. I hope that during my time here I have contributed to strengthening its identity and purpose as a centre of Catholic and Benedictine faith and education. It is a wonderful community and one which I will be very sad to leave but I have great confidence in Michael’s ability to lead and develop the school, supported by a team of outstanding colleagues.”
Chair of Governors, John Ludlow, added: “We are deeply grateful to Andrew Hobbs for his outstanding service to the school. We are fully confident that Michael will provide the thoughtful and steady leadership needed as we look ahead to the next exciting chapter in the school’s story, as we continue to be a bright light in the world of Catholic Benedictine education.”