Gould, Sir Ronald
1904-1986

Educationalist, was born in Midsomer Norton, Somerset on 9 October 1904, the son of Fred Gould, OBE, an active trade unionist and later MP for Frome. He was educated at Shepton Mallet and then at Westminster College, London 1922-1924. Following a distinguished teaching career, he became President of the National Union of Teachers 1943-44, and as its Secretary in 1947-1970 was an enthusiastic supporter of comprehensive education. As an active member of the English advisory committee, he played a part in the preparation of the 1944 Education Act and worked in close partnership with Sir William Alexander to shape the post-war education system. He was the first President of the World Confederation of Organizations of the Teaching Profession 1952-70 and lectured in many foreign countries. From 1967 to 1972 he was Deputy Chairman of the Independent Television Authority. He was knighted in 1955. His honorary degrees included an MA at Bristol (1943) and doctorates from British Columbia (1963) and York (1972). As a Methodist local preacher he was much in demand all over the country. He wrote an autobiography entitled Chalk up the Memory (1976). He died in Worthing on 11 April 1986.

Sources
  • Times, 16 April 1986; TES, 18 April 1986
  • Methodist Recorder, 1 May 1986
  • Oxford DNB

See also

Entry written by: KGG
Category: Person
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