Father named on birth certificate, can I change child's name without father's consent?

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Father was a foreign national, removed from the UK almost 10 years ago due to domestic violence. No contact since. Child was a baby at the time, has no memory of father.
I'd like to change my child's name. Father is name on the birth certificate, so I understand I can only do it:

IF father consents. No chance of that and I've no idea of father's current whereabouts of contact details in any case.

OR, if I get a Court order that allows me to request name change for child.

What's the likelihood of being granted a court order under these circumstances?

I have piles of paperwork from when child was a baby, details the DV, threats to abduct etc.

Anyone sucessfully managed to change child's name WITHOUT father's consent, even when he's name on the birth certificate?

To get the courts to agree, you would have to show that it was in your child's best interests. It is generally seen as important to maintain a link with the father by including his surname. If you want a proper opinion on whether you might succeed, you need to consult a solicitor.