Robert Milne announced as new Master of Dulwich College

Dulwich College is delighted to share the news that the Governors have appointed Robert Milne, Headmaster of Emanuel School as Dr Joe Spence’s successor.

Mr Milne has a wealth of whole-school experience as a teacher, head of department and successful senior leader. During his time as headmaster, Emanuel has become an extremely sought after and successful co-ed school, making significant academic progress, whilst ensuring a caring, happy and community-minded identity. Prior to his headship, Mr Milne was Deputy Head at King’s College School, Wimbledon, Head of English at Magdalen College School, Oxford, and Head of House at King Edward’s School, Birmingham.

A pupil at Pocklington School in Yorkshire, Mr Milne is an English graduate, with degrees from Leicester University and King’s College, London. After his PGCE, he joined Oundle School as an English teacher and Housemaster. In every school, he has also played a full part in its pastoral and co-curricular life. From September 2024, he will be the chair of HMC’s Pastoral Committee. Mr Milne will take up his position as Master of Dulwich College in September 2025.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Milne said: ‘I am delighted to be joining Dulwich College after several extremely happy years at Emanuel School. During conversations with governors, Dr Joe Spence and the leadership team, it became clear that my own professional and personal values very much align with those of the College. I look forward to officially starting at Dulwich in the late summer of 2025.’

Of Mr Milne’s appointment, Dr Spence stated: ‘I have enjoyed spending time with and talking to Rob and know that I will be leaving Dulwich in highly capable hands. Rob has an understanding of the College’s ethos and purpose, and he will lead its staff and pupils with intelligence and integrity. I’m greatly looking forward to making sure Rob and his family’s arrival in Dulwich is as smooth and happy as possible.’

Dr Adrian Carr, Chair of Governors said: ‘We are delighted to have appointed Rob Milne as the next Master of Dulwich College. Over the next year we will celebrate Joe’s outstanding educational legacy which is clearly seen in Dulwich’s academic, pastoral and co-curricular excellence, and in the College’s extensive educational partnerships programme and commitment to initial teacher training,. Under Joe’s leadership the number of College bursaries has grown to 214 and his concept of Free Learning has blossomed into an unrivalled holistic offer, securing Dulwich’s position as one of the top independent schools in the country.”

Dulwich College is an academically selective school with a distinguished tradition of inspired teaching and genuine scholarship and an ethos of equity and respect.

Committed to nurturing a supportive community that encourages a sense of social responsibility and spiritual and personal development, pupils from a variety of backgrounds feel equally valued.  Dulwich College offers a significant number of Bursaries each year and warmly welcomes applications from boys who are intellectually curious and enthusiastic to stretch themselves to their limits.  Currently 214 pupils are in receipt of Bursaries, the majority for 75% or more of fees. Our aim is intellectual excellence irrespective of background or circumstance.