#25 - Melvyn Roffe, Executive Head of Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools

Welcome back to Destination Education! I’m your host, Ruth Benny, and today we are joined by a true titan of the UK independent sector. Melvyn Roffe is the Executive Principal of Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, having previously led George Watson’s College in Edinburgh and served as the Chair of the HMC (The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference). Melvyn brings a "squiggly" perspective to leadership—literally. From his early days as an English teacher to a parallel career in politics and observing elections in Romania, he embodies the very breadth of experience he wants for his students. In this episode, we tackle the big questions: Is a school a business or a partnership? Why is "joy" being eroded from the classroom? And how do we prepare children for a world where the linear career path is dead? Grab a cup of tea ☕️ and enjoy this masterclass in educational philosophy! Why Listen? The "Squiggly" Career: Discover why the traditional linear career path is "old hat" and how Monmouth’s Futures Program prepares students for a life of professional pivots. Business vs. Education: Melvyn discusses the tension of running a school as a business while maintaining its soul as a charitable academic institution. The Livery Legacy: A clear explanation of the centuries-old tradition of London’s livery companies and their role in founding schools like Monmouth and Oundel. The VAT Debate: A candid take on the impact of taxing independent school fees and why education should be viewed as a universal good. Soft Power: Why UK independent schools are a major export earner and a key part of "Team UK" on the global stage. The 10-Year Test: Forget shiny A-level results—Melvyn shares the one question parents should ask a Head to find out the true impact of a school. The Liberal Arts Defense: A passionate argument for why "utilitarian" degrees are a mistake and why the creative arts are essential for a thriving society. Melvyn's Career Journey Derby, England: Growing up in the industrial heartland. University of York & Durham: Fueling a lifelong love of English Literature and Drama. Oundel School: A formative seven-year "gig" that turned into a lifetime calling. Monmouth (The First Time): Serving as Head of English and Academic Deputy. George Watson’s College, Edinburgh: A decade leading one of the UK’s largest co-ed day schools. Clifton College: Serving as CEO to set up their education group. Monmouth (The Return): Coming full circle to lead the Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools. Chapter List 00:00 Introduction: From Industrial Derby to Durham English 02:12 The Sagacious Headmaster: How a Mentor Spotted a Future Leader 04:35 Managing the Tension: Schools as Businesses and Partnerships 06:55 Deciphering the Livery Companies: William Jones and the Haberdashers 11:28 The "Mixed Economy": Charity vs. For-Profit School Groups 13:53 Politics & Soft Power: The Sector in a Time of VAT and Crisis 18:26 The Squiggly Career: Why Your Degree Isn't the Label on the Tin 23:04 The Commodification of Education: Pushing Back on Utilitarianism 27:37 The "Future Backpack": What Skills Do Students Actually Need? 32:05 The 10-Year Acid Test: Measuring a School’s True Value 35:45 Co-Ed vs. Single Sex: Choice in a Modern World 39:15 Returning to Monmouth: Teaching the Next Generation of Dads Resources & Links For more resources related to today’s episode and others, visit www.topschoolsadmissions.com Connect with Monmouth Schools: Visit www.monmouthschool.org to learn more about the Monmouth Model and their unique co-educational environment. Follow Destination Education: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destination_education_uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@DestinationEducationUK Work with Us: Use code DESTINATION for 20% off personalized support for entry into top UK independent boarding schools. Book your consultation here: https://www.topschoolsadmissions.com/UKBoardingSchools/