Head quits Benedictine school after clash over reforms
‘New era’ ends for first lay headmaster in history of Ampleforth College
THE man who sought to transform the culture of one of Britain’s most traditional public schools has resigned.
When David Lambon took over as headmaster in 2014, it was the first time anyone but a priest had presided over Ampleforth College in its 200-year history.
He soon expressed his intentions to launch a series of bold reforms – including dancing lessons for boys, getting children to mark each other’s tests and granting more freedom to sixthformers.
His arrival was hailed as a “new era”.
Yet Mr Lambon has now resigned after parents and students opposed a proposal more in tune with the institution’s austere Benedictine roots to introduce a school uniform.
Old boys at the £30,000a-year boarding and day institution include Lord Fellowes, creator of Down
ton Abbey, and Andrew Parker Bowles, the former husband of the Duchess of Cornwall.
The school, which only became co-ed in 2002, last night said Mr Lambon is leaving of “his own accord” and there was no quarrel over the direction the school had taken.
In a letter to parents, the Rt Rev Cuthbert Madden, the Abbot of Ampleforth, said Mr Lambon will be succeeded by Fr Wulstan Peterburs, who will take up the position of interim head. Fr Madden wrote: “I write to inform you that David Lambon will be leaving Ampleforth College at the end of this term to pursue new professional opportunities.”
“Strong progress has been made in all these regards, and I am grateful to David for all that he has given to, and done for, Ampleforth.”
There was no statement by Mr Lambon about his departure. Instead Fr Madden said: “David has asked me to convey his thanks to staff, students and their parents, who welcomed him to Ampleforth and have supported the developments introduced by him and his team.”
His departure came after attempts to introduce a uniform for the first time were met with opposition by both parents and students.
In November last year, he told The Daily Telegraph: “I’d like to introduce the uniform into the school but the students and parents have come back and said ‘no’.”
Mr Lambon outlined changes and pedagogical ideas that seemed to be at odds with the traditional teaching at the school.
He said students should mark each other’s homework and tests to help them think like examiners.
He also encouraged pupils to make key decisions with regard to the running of the school, including developing menus for daily meals.