Alec Ross, a former primary head and co-founder of the education department at Lancaster University, has died, aged 85.
Professor Ross served on numerous national bodies that had an impact on policy for British schools and universities. After a spell as a head in south-east London, he moved to Exeter University’s institute of education. As a senior lecturer, he advised the committee that produced the Plowden report on primary education in 1967.
With Charles Carter, vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, Professor Ross set up the university’s first school of education, and was later appointed head of education research. Under his guidance, Lancaster validated the teacher-training colleges that later became Edge Hill University and the University of Cumbria.
He also served on the Universities Council for the Education of Teachers, 1979-1985.
Professor Alec Ross; born July 6, 1922; died January 17, 2008.
