Memorial reception for pioneering educationist Sir Peter Newsam

Sir Peter Anthony Newsam (2 November 1928 – 16 November 2023), Director of IOE (then named Institute of Education) from 1989 to 1994, was one of the leading educational administrators of the postwar era.

He was held in high regard across the worlds of politics and education. Prior to joining IOE, he had served as a school teacher, Chair and CEO of the Commission for Racial Equality, and Secretary to the Association of County Councils.

His reputation, though, had been made as an educational administrator in local government, including in the North and West Ridings of Yorkshire, Cumberland, and, for 10 years, at the Inner London Education Authority. He was knighted in 1987. 

His priorities as IOE Director renewed the partnership between IOE (now UCL's Faculty of Education and Society) and London, especially its schools and colleges, and secured further growth in student numbers – to 3,725 by 1992, including around 500 international students each year, from over 80 countries.

His contributions to IOE, in particular the building of the Newsam Library, helped to establish its outstanding position as a leading international centre for educational studies and research.

In research, one addition was the Social Science Research Unit, which continues to this day. Sir Peter also put his stamp on IOE’s main building, including a new entrance, refurbished students’ union and provision for a nursery.

Professors Gary McCulloch and Tom Woodin authored an obituary published on the IOE website.

Links

• See also: The Guardian obituary