Clarke , Sir , Fred , 1880-1952 , Knight , educationist

Sir Fred Clarke (1880-1952) was an eminent educationist. Having qualified as a teacher and gained a degree in History from Oxford University, Clarke held a number of posts in teacher education and university departments in Britain and abroad, including as Senior Master of Method at York Diocesan Training College, 1903-1906, Professor of Education at Hartley University College, Southampton, 1906-1911, Professor of Education, University of Cape Town, South Africa, 1911-1929 and Professor of Education, McGill University, Montreal, Canada, 1929-1934. In 1935, Clarke was appointed as Adviser to Oversea Students at the Institute of Education, University of London and in 1936 he became Director of the the Institute, a position which he held until his retirement in 1945. Clarke also served on numerous committees, including for the British Council and Colonial Office, and was influential in the establishment of the National Foundation for Educational Research and the McNair Committee. After his retirement he remained connected with the Institute, becoming once again Adviser to Oversea Students and also undertook other advisory roles, notably for the National Union of Teachers. Sir Fred Clarke was an influential figure in the development of teacher education, colonial and comparative education and he also promoted the application of sociology to educational theory.