John is a campaigner, storyteller, teacher, youth worker, independent diplomat, writer and broadcaster who has spent his career working with and for young people in the UK and around the world.
After leaving Wycliffe with A levels in English, French, Maths and Politics, John studied Drama and English at Bristol University. He started his career as a teacher, working with children and young people in a variety of situations, ranging from schools in suburban England to refugee camps in Uganda. He became a Headteacher at 28, going on to develop a reputation for regenerating underperforming institutions. John has since been the national Education Director of Business in the Community, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise and Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
John is a former non-executive director of UNICEF, helped to found ‘Teach First’ in the UK, and is a past Vice Chairman of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. He is a visiting lecturer in education and corporate social responsibility at Oxford Brookes, Surrey and Leicester De Montfort universities, and is a trustee of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets. He holds an honorary doctorate in sociology from the University of Bolton. He is one of Stonewall’s National Ambassadors, helping the charity continue its work for acceptance for all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. As a Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, he leads on areas of interest related to young people and animal welfare.
We would love to welcome you to Wycliffe for a tour around our busy, contented, Cotswolds Campus.
Please get in touch to come and meet us.
