Mr Judd joined as Head and CEO of Christ’s Hospital this September, making the switch from his previous school, Leighton Park, where he was Head for seven years.

He grew up as a local boy to Christ’s Hospital, living just 15-minutes from the school’s grounds, in the nearby town of Crawley, attending a comprehensive school there.

His first proper encounter with Christ’s Hospital however did not come until September 1991, in which he spent three weeks at CH as a trainee Geography teacher after achieving a BA in Geography at University.

At the end of those three weeks, the then Headmaster, Richard Poulton, made a comment to Mr Judd that has stuck with him for the rest of his career. “I should like to say that if you ever see a job here at Christ’s Hospital, we should be glad if you applied.”

And glad that he applied we all certainly are!

That short stint at CH was just the start of a long journey through the upmost highs of education, in which he has been Head of four schools; and worked as a school’s inspector.

Mr Judd says his journey in education is one of the most important things that he carries with him today, as “I always draw on my experience.”

He was drawn to the opportunity at Christ’s Hospital, because “it truly is a school like no other. It is a magnificent school, not just because of the astonishing buildings; not just because of the honouring of history; but because of the project it is trying to build and the transformational education of young people it provides.”

Mr Judd believes strongly in the fact that it is possible for anyone to attend Christ’s Hospital, whatever circumstances they may be in, and explains that in this sense Christ’s Hospital is “the last great public-school.”

In a brilliant explanation of the importance and privilege of education, specifically at CH, Mr Judd describes it as “a golden ticket that is given to you,” and he urges students to “make the most” out of the education being presented to you by “some of the best teachers in the business.”

Reflecting on his first six weeks as Head of Christ’s Hospital, the simpleness of “how easy it is to be yourself and be authentic” really struck Mr Judd – this stands as a testament to everything the school revolves around.

Regarding plans for Christ’s Hospital in the future, Mr Judd ensures he will “listen to everybody before making any decisions about how we surge ahead.”

However, he wants to make sure the boarding houses on site “look and feel as good as they can,” and goes on to explain that this will be something that he will look to develop over time.

Mr Judd sees his job as Head of Christ’s Hospital one that stands out in his career in education, accumulating all his experience from previous ventures into one inspiring mission.

He wants to “do things right for the school,” because the “children deserve it as students.” This all-inclusive, all-caring manner has followed Mr Judd throughout his career and was specifically seen when he was Head of his last school – a Quaker school. He reassures students “I want to be the best version of myself for you; and want the school to be great for you.”

Finally, if you are considering Christ’s Hospital as a potential future school, Mr Judd has one message for you:

“Do not hesitate. It is the gift of a lifetime, and it will stay with you for a lifetime.”