HEADTEACHER at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, Melvyn Roffe has been awarded an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by The Princess Royal, at a recent investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

This honour recognises Melvyn’s exceptional contribution to education and his long-standing commitment to strengthening the relationship between schools and their communities.

Throughout Melvyn’s career he has championed the belief that young people thrive when education rooted in civic responsibility and meaningful community engagement.

All of the contributions Melvyn has made have included national initiatives to widen access to subjects such as Mandarin and computing, as well as developing partnerships which bring schools and local communities together – all of which played a huge role in why he was awarded an MBE.

Melvyn’s educational journey began in Monmouth where he held early leadership positions at the former Monmouth School for Boys between 1993 and 2001. Over those years, Melvyn developed fundamental skills which have shaped his leadership.

His career followed on leading independent schools across the UK and became one of the few individuals elected to chair both the Boarding Schools’ Association and HMC – The Head’s Conference.

In 2025, Melvyn returned to Monmouth to lead Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, and he described it as “coming home” to a community which he has both professional and personal connections too, including the fact that both of his children were born in Monmouthshire.

MBE’s are awarded to people in the UK and Commonwealth to honour their achievement or service given to the community.

This pivotal moment of receiving a life standing achievement is a moment shared for the Haberdashers’ Monmouth community, as it recognises not only a national achievement but a career which is shaped by values which are paramount to the school, including: integrity, service and the belief that education enriches the wider community.