Professor Richard Pring (1938 – 2024)

Emeritus Fellow Professor Richard Pring died on Sunday 6 October peacefully at his home in Oxford.

Richard was elected to a Professorial Fellowship of then-Green College in September 1989 and became an Emeritus Fellow in 2003 when he retired. Richard was Director of the Department of Education at Oxford from 1989 to 2003, as well as the holder of the first-ever Chair in Education at the University of Oxford.

Richard went on to become Director of the Nuffield Review of Education and Training in England and Wales (2003-2009). In 2008 he succeeded Lord Hattersley as President of the Socialist Education Society. Richard joined Oxford having been Professor of Education at the University of Exeter.

Richard’s life and scholarship were dedicated to education and philosophy, through his formative years, shaped by philosophical education as a young seminarian in Rome and then as a philosophy student at University College London. He was the author of numerous books, articles and reports, gave countless talks to audiences across sectors and geographical boundaries, taught, supervised and mentored many cohorts of education students.

Richard’s work engaged powerfully with questions and arguments about, for example, what it means to be an educated person in the 21st century, common schools and faith schools, liberal vocationalism, knowledge and the curriculum, and the philosophy of educational research.

Richard was a great supporter of the college and much-loved College Adviser until recently. He is fondly remembered by colleagues at Green Templeton, including as a multi-marathon runner.

The thoughts of college members are with Richard’s wife, Faye, family and friends at this time. Please let the fellowship team know if you would like them to pass on any messages or tributes.

A memorial service will take place on Wednesday 30 October at 11:30 at St Aloysius’ Catholic Church, 25 Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 6HA.