Ian Stockton is a retired Cathedral canon, educator and practical theologian, who has worked in many industrial and rural contexts, including Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Blackburn and Galloway.

Born of A Scots’ mother and English Gordon Highlander, he grew up in a mining village in North Staffordshire in “slum clearance property,” and taught juniors as a student teacher before reading theology at Selwyn College Cambridge. Whilst training for ordination in Nottingham, he also completed a secondary PGCE in RE and History.

In the Diocese of Lincoln, he was the principal of a pioneering, practical and collaborative form of adult education that provided training within teams for both lay and ordained ministry. During this time, he completed a Ph.D through the University of Hull School of Education. In Sunderland he developed a team ministry across different traditions, was a school governor and helped to lead a world heritage bid. At Blackburn Cathedral his responsibilities included developing work with schools, exhibitions, hospitality and supporting urban regeneration.

Ian says, “once a teacher, always a learner.” His English grandmother could neither read nor write, and he is deeply committed to enhancing educational opportunity for all. He has been part of the Frank Field Trust since its embryonic beginnings.

Ian ‘s written work is not only in contextual theology and adult learning, for in retirement he has published a biography of childhood, A Child of Two Nations, a book of his poems and a collection of prayers. He is a keen gardener and still runs regularly. Ian is married to Janet, a teacher and all three of their daughters are also teachers.

In the pursuit of social justice, compassion and educational opportunity, Ian found in Frank Field a kindred spirit.