1959 Durham University: 1st class honours in German; PGCE 1st class

1960 Marries Judith King. They have two daughters, Josie and Caroline, and a son, Chris

1960-66 Teaches modern languages at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, and Wyggeston Boys’ School, Leicester

1966 First lecturing job at Exeter University

1973-78 Becomes youngest professor of education, Nottingham University

1974 Teaching Teaching published by David and Charles, first of more than 40 books

1978-2003 Professor of education at Exeter University, including 16 years as director of school; emeritus professor from 2003-2005

1980 First column for The TES

1989-2005 Holder of five honorary degrees, including London University and the Tavistock Institute

2005 Final book published, The Art and Science of Teaching and Learning (Routledge)

1974-2005 Member of various national bodies including president of the British Educational Research Association; chairman of the Educational Broadcasting Council and of the BBC National Domesday Project Committee; member of the QCA; chair of judges and latterly trustee of the national Teaching Awards; chair of the University of the First Age and of Devon Children’s Trust; trustee or patron of six charities including Continyou, formerly Education Extra and the Roald Dahl Foundation.

Played football, qualified as a referee, trained and supported Exeter University teams - men’s and women’s. Broadcaster on radio and TV; presenter on Teachers’ TV and brains behind Channel 4‘s The Unteachables