Clifton College Education Group (CEEG) has announced the appointment of Mr Melvyn Roffe, current Principal of George Watson’s College, as their Chief Executive Officer.
This appointment is an important step towards providing a framework of growth while increasing a resilience to changing economic, political and other pressures within the independent education sector. The newly created role will support the continued growth of the CCEG, which recently announced the addition of Tockington Manor School to the group.
Mr Nick Tolchard, Chair of Clifton College Council, said, “We are delighted that Melvyn will join us in such a pivotal role for the CCEG. The further growth of CCEG, at home and internationally, based on Clifton’s core values, will enable us to participate in exciting opportunities across the education sector and will provide us with a sustainable and effective model for the future.”
Commenting on his appointment, Melvyn commented, “I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to lead the Clifton College Education Group as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. There is no doubt that the independent sector faces many challenges at present, but there are also great opportunities to be grasped.
“My role will be to make sure that the CCEG continues to grow and thrive in ways which enhance the experience of the pupils in all of our schools. In doing that we will remain true to our values and ensure that we play a full part in the development of the communities of which we are a part.”
Dr Tim Greene, Head of Clifton College, added, “As a former Chair of the HMC, Melvyn brings a unique insight into the challenges faced in the sector nationally and globally. It is an exciting time for Clifton College and this new role is an exciting step for the future. I look forward to working with him.”
The CCEG was established in 2022 to provide a framework for growth whilst increasing the College’s resilience to changing economic and other circumstances. In July 2022, the English Language Centre Bristol joined CCEG, offering year-round tuition to international students next to the College.
The further growth of CCEG saw the joining of Tockington Manor School; a co-educational independent school for children aged 2-13 based on the outskirts of Bristol.
Melvyn Roffe is a highly experienced educationalist who brings a unique and relevant perspective to the leadership of CCEG. Melvyn has been Principal of George Watson’s College in Edinburgh since 2014, having previously been an English teacher, Director of Studies of Monmouth School and the head of two state boarding schools in England.
Melvyn has also held a number of non-executive positions in education and is one of the very few people to have served as both Chair of the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) and The Heads’ Conference (HMC). This gives him an exceptional insight into the opportunities and challenges of the independent school sector within the UK and around the world.
Melvyn is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Honorary Fellow of the College of Optometrists and a Burgess of the City of Edinburgh. He will begin his new role in September 2024.