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PODCAST

Destination Education UK

Exploring the world of independent boarding schools in the UK! This series brings you real, in-depth conversations with Heads of schools, retired leaders, senior staff and even the pupils themselves. Hosted by Ruth Benny of Top Schools, with over 30 years" experience in guiding families, we dive into the critical issues shaping independent education - wellbeing, academic philosophies, university preparation and more. Designed for parents and anyone passionate about boarding schools, each

education education for kids

All Episodes

41:46

#16 2025 Recap - Celebration of Conversations

Destination Education UK ·

2026/01/04

In this reflective episode of Destination Education UK, Ruth Benny summarizes key themes from conversations with educators and thinkers over the past six months. The discussion emphasizes the importance of future readiness, character education, the unique benefits of boarding schools, diverse pathways for students, the impact of academic pressure, financial considerations in education, the differences between co-educational and single-sex schools, and the critical role of parenting in

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57:26

#15 Marina Gardiner Legge, Head of Oxford High School...

Destination Education UK ·

2025/12/15

In this episode of Destination Education UK with Ruth Benny, we sit down with Marina Gardiner Legge, Head of Oxford High School GDST, shares her insights on girls' education, the importance of resilience and rebellion in students, and the evolving landscape of schooling. She emphasizes the need for parents to be actively involved in their children's education, the significance of school visits, and the role of kindness in school culture. Marina also discusses the challenges faced by young

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52:10

#14 Jonathan Besley, Head of Brighton College Prep...

Destination Education UK ·

2025/12/01

In this episode of Destination Education UK with Ruth Benny, we sit down with Jonathan Besley, Headmaster of the newly rebranded Brighton College Prep Handcross—formerly Handcross Park. Jonathan joins us fresh from a whirlwind six-day visit to Hong Kong, where he’s been meeting parents, interviewing students, and dodging both rainstorms and typhoons. We explore everything from the decision to rebrand, to the sometimes uncomfortable truth that many families—particularly in Asia—do choose

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52:55

#13 David Cresswell, Head of Barnard Castle School

Destination Education UK ·

2025/11/17

Welcome to Destination Education UK, in this insightful conversation, Ruth Benny speaks with David Cresswell, Headmaster of Barnard Castle School (Barney), about his international upbringing, his journey from student to educator, and what makes modern British boarding schools so relevant — and human — today.From his diplomatic childhood to Oxford, teaching, coaching, and leading, David shares how balance, authenticity, and character form the foundation of his educational philosophy. He

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55:21

#12 - Dr Michael Gray - Head of Hereford Cathedral...

Destination Education UK ·

2025/11/02

In this episode of Destination Education UK, host Ruth Benny chats with Dr Michael Gray, Head of Hereford Cathedral School, about what makes a truly modern education. From his own journey through the UK system to leading one of the country’s historic schools, Dr Gray shares honest reflections on co-ed vs single-sex learning, the challenges facing independent schools, and how to prepare students for an ever-changing world. Don’t miss this insightful conversation! 🎧 Why listen: Discover why

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58:17

#11 - Juliet Rolls - Founder Cambridge Academic Tuition

Destination Education UK ·

2025/10/20

Welcome back to Destination Education UK, I'm your host Ruth Benny, and today we have a real treat for you. Our guest Juliet Rolls is the founder of Cambridge Academic Tuition, she has been providing high-quality academic support and guidance to students from diverse backgrounds and abilities for over 20 years. Juliet holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Cambridge and a Membership of the Chartered College of Teaching (MCCT). Juliet and Ruth, discuss

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48:10

#10 - Rosie McColl - Harrow Hong Kong Head

Destination Education UK ·

2025/10/05

Welcome back to Destination Education UK, I'm your host Ruth Benny, and today we have a real treat for you. Our guest is Rosie McColl, former Head at Brighton Girls GDST School and current Head at Harrow International School Hong Kong! Join in as they dig into some really meaningful topics, like why girls’ education matters so much and how single-sex schools can be a game-changer for empowering young women. Rosie shares her thoughts on breaking down gender stereotypes, boosting STEM

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68:40

#9 - Martin Ashton, Deputy Head Pastoral, and Alex...

Destination Education UK ·

2025/09/08

Welcome back to Destination Education UK, I'm your host Ruth Benny, and today we have a real treat for you. Our guests are from esteemed Wells Cathedral School in the UK, an acclaimed music school that provides a balanced and holistic education. In this episode, we explore what really matters beyond academics. Martin Ashton, Deputy Head Pastoral, and Alex Laing, Director of Music at Wells Cathedral School, talk about supporting international students, nurturing creativity through music, and

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58:21

#8 - Keith Metcalfe - Malvern College Headmaster

Destination Education UK ·

2025/08/25

Welcome back to Destination Education UK, I'm your host Ruth Benny, and today we have a real treat for you. Our guest is Keith Metcalfe, Head at Malvern College in the UK, a leading co-educational school nestled in the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire. Keith and I chat about everything from the differences between boys’ schools and co-ed schools, to how COVID has changed education, to the value of pathways like the IB and A Levels. We also dive into what makes a student’s school experience

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57:07

#7 - Simon Smith - Deputy Head & High Performance...

Destination Education UK ·

2025/08/11

Welcome back to Destination Education UK, I'm your host Ruth Benny, and today we have a real treat for you. Our guest is Simon Smith, a deputy head academic at Tudor Hall, a distinguished all girls boarding school in Oxfordshire. In this episode, Simon shares how girls learn differently to boys, but also recognising that independent schools will be finding it harder to survive, and single-sex schools having to become co-ed for commercial reasons. Simon shares why schools should be preparing

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70:03

#6 - Cory Lowde - The Truth About The UK's Education...

Destination Education UK ·

2025/07/28

Join us on today’s episode as we tackle the UK education system's ins and outs—from state vs. independent schools and leadership challenges to parent-teacher dynamics and digital age impacts. We hit hot topics like diversity, international students, and the financial side of schooling. Plus, we debate single-sex vs. co-ed systems and the future of independent schools in a changing world. Our guest, Cory Lowde, brings over 30 years of experience in state, private, and international schools,

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49:11

#5 - ANDREW DE SILVA - HEADMASTER - ORATORY PREP SCHOOL

Destination Education UK ·

2025/07/14

Join us on this episode of "Destination Education" as I sit down with Andrew De Silva, the headmaster of Oratory Prep School. Discover his valuable insights into the distinctions between state and independent education, and explore his leadership philosophy that underscores the significance of parental involvement and faith in pastoral care. Andrew delves into the unique aspects of his school, highlighting its for-profit model and the advantages of being part of a larger educational

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53:33

#4 Barbara Lestak - Mastering UK University Admissions

Destination Education UK ·

2025/06/30

In our next Destination Education episode, i’m joined by Barbara Lestak, Academic Director and Schools Partnerships Lead at UniAdmissions. We delve into the complexities of UK university admissions, particularly focusing on the UCAS process, the importance of personal statements, and the unique challenges faced by international students. Barbara is an expert in the field, and provides insights on how to navigate the application process, choose the right university and course, and gain a

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53:09

#2 - Sarah Matthews - Headmistress at Truro High...

Destination Education UK ·

2025/06/15

Today I sit down with Sarah Matthews, Headmistress of Truro High School for Girls, for an enlightening conversation on the evolving landscape of girls' education. We delve into the critical role of education in empowering young women, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the distinct differences between state and independent schools. We also explore the impact of gender on learning and discuss the financial implications of private education, especially in the wake of recent

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67:15

#3 - Why go to boarding schools in the UK? - A...

Destination Education UK ·

2025/06/15

In this episode of destination education podcast, we delve into the experiences of three students who ventured into the world of UK boarding schools. They share their motivations for choosing this path and discuss how house assignments influenced their social circles. We explore the delicate balance between academic rigor and personal development, as well as the unique facets of boarding school life—friendships, newfound independence, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. They

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55:43

#1 - Cliff Canning - Headmaster at Embley School

Destination Education UK ·

2025/06/15

In this episode I chat with Cliff Canning, Head of Embley School. I absolutely loved this chat; I found Cliff to be truly engaging as a leader and his insights on his own educational philosophy and the core values driving the school’s ethos really resonated. We explore key themes such as happiness, community and faith, while delving into the distinctive rhythms of boarding school life. Cliff offers his perspectives on cultivating inclusive environments, navigating gender dynamics in

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0:41

Welcome to Destination Education UK

Destination Education UK ·

2025/06/12

Welcome to Destination Education UK, a podcast for everyone interested in independent education in the UK.Launching on 16 June, 2025.

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17 results

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