Steve Marshall-Taylor, Headmaster of Brighton College, on leading one of the UK's most expensive schools
Brighton College has long been considered one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking schools in the UK, and its new head Steve Marshall-Taylor embodies that balance of tradition and innovation. A first-class linguist with a PGCE from Cambridge, Steve joined Brighton as Deputy Head in 2013 after cutting his leadership teeth at King's Wimbledon, eventually taking on the headship at Brighton in 2024. Away from work, he's a seasoned endurance athlete, taking on triathlons, mountain marathons and even a Channel swim in support of motor neurone disease.
In his conversation with Henry Faber, Steve reflects on the power of "memorable moments" in a child's school life and how we're placing too much emphasis on participation, where often those that fly under the radar thrive the most. He discusses Brighton's growing boarding culture, the international expansion of the brand and how it can transform bursary provision more locally.
🎙️ Episode highlights
Steve reflects on the most rewarding part of his leadership: getting the whole school together to create joint memories and experiences.
He shares the story of a colleague who suffered from MND and how it inspired the support from the whole school for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
He discusses the role of architecture in shaping culture at the school, citing Winston Churchill - "We shape our buildings, and thereafter they shape us."
He outlines the benefits of Brighton's international expansion, from shared teaching practices to helping to fund bursaries in the UK.
His controversial opinion debunks the idea that students should participate more: introverts should be celebrated as much as extroverts.