The Essential Role of Mentoring: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Humans didn’t always learn by sitting in classrooms. For most of our history, knowledge wasn’t passed down through textbooks or lectures but by learning directly from mentors—experienced adults who shared their skills, wisdom, and stories with younger generations. It’s only in relatively recent history that we’ve formalised education in schools. But here’s the thing: even though the school system is now the norm, mentoring is still one of the most effective ways to learn, and we need it as much as ever.
How We Used to Learn
Long before schools, humans passed knowledge through stories and lived experiences. Tribal communities, for instance, relied on elders to teach survival skills, ethics, and wisdom. It wasn’t about memorising facts; it was about being mentored by someone who had walked the path before you. Aristocrats through history also understood this well—wealthy families hired tutors and mentors to educate their children.
Take the example of Marcus Aurelius, one of the most respected Roman emperors and a renowned Stoic philosopher. Marcus had a mentor for many years before he rose to power. His tutor, Junius Rusticus, didn’t just teach him philosophy, but how to lead with wisdom and integrity. It’s no exaggeration to say that without mentorship, Marcus Aurelius might never have become the man he was—he certainly wouldn’t have written Meditations, which continues to inspire people today, just as it inspires me.
Another example? Charles Darwin. Before he revolutionised our understanding of biology, Darwin was mentored by John Stevens Henslow, a professor at Cambridge who recognised Darwin’s potential early on. It was Henslow who recommended Darwin for the famous voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work. Without Henslow’s mentorship, the theory of evolution might have never been realised. (Incidentally, Darwin wanted to go to Tenerife – home to our first academy before voyaging to the Galapagos Islands.)
Mentorship in My Life as a Lawyer
I’ve seen this first-hand in my own life as a lawyer. While law school gave me a limited foundation, it was too long and far too expensive for what it offered. Most of what I learned about being a lawyer, I learned from other lawyers—people who had been in the trenches, dealt with complex clients, and knew how to handle the day-to-day pressures of the job. The reality is that the skill of being a lawyer has been passed down through generations of experienced professionals, not through lectures or exams. Of course, law school isn’t marketed that way! But I have lawyered for two decades, helping many junior lawyers along the way.
In fact, when I started my law firm in Harrogate, I hired my former boss from the firm I used to work at. He stayed with me for a decade, always available to offer advice or help me navigate tricky situations. Having him there wasn’t just about having access to knowledge; it kept me on the straight and narrow, reminding me of the standards and integrity needed in our profession.
The Void of Mentorship Today
Sadly, a lot of young people today are missing out on these essential mentorship experiences. Take the rise of Andrew Tate as an example. His toxic influence is filling a void where good mentors should be. Young men, especially, are looking for guidance, and when they don’t find it, they turn to harmful influences. Tate’s approach is corrosive—he preys on insecurities and promotes unhealthy ideas about success and masculinity. The real solution isn’t flashy influencers but real, experienced mentors who can guide young people with wisdom, not ego.
Why Mentorship Matters in Harrogate and Beyond
Mentoring is about more than just passing on technical skills. It’s about lifelong learning. We never stop learning, and having someone to guide us—whether we’re 16 or 60—makes all the difference. Mentorship isn’t limited to professions like law or science; it’s essential in every aspect of life. From business to personal growth, mentoring helps people develop their character, make better decisions, and foster a love of lifelong learning.
At Harrogate International Academy, we deeply believe in the value of mentoring. Whether it’s through our football programs or academic coaching, we emphasise personal mentorship to help individuals grow holistically. As much as learning in a structured environment is important, the guidance from someone who’s been there before is irreplaceable. If you’re looking for more information about our approach to mentoring, check out our mentoring page here.
In the end, mentorship is what helps us reach our full potential. Whether it’s through football, law, or personal development, having a mentor gives us the tools to succeed in ways that textbooks or YouTube videos never could. Mentors push us to be better, hold us accountable, and offer us advice we didn’t even know we needed.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentorship I’ve received, and I’m committed to paying it forward. If you’re in Harrogate and looking for structured mentorship—whether it’s for yourself or your children—let’s have a conversation. Mentorship is how we learn, grow, and succeed together.
Written by Andrew Gray, Owner of The Harrogate International Academy