Brunel University honours Professor Steve Hodkinson

He received the honorary degree of Doctor of the University at Brunel's campus in Uxbridge, West London, at the graduation ceremony of teachers and sports science students.

Professor Hodkinson, who comes from Sheffield, and lives in Barkers Lane, Sale, Cheshire, recalled his Yorkshire childhood.

“Money was scarce in Sheffield after the Second World War,“ he said. “But my mum and dad made sure that I had better opportunities than they had.“

He then told the graduating students that they should make sure “opportunity always knocks for others.“

Born in Sheffield, Steve Hodkinson attended Sheffield City Grammar School and then Manchester University to read Modern History, Economics and Politics.


He began teaching at Wilbraham High School, Manchester, in 1969; then, Parrs Wood High School until 1980, when returned to Manchester University. For the next 15 years his working life was devoted to teacher education.

He joined Brunel University in 1995 as Professor of Teacher Education, becoming Head of Department, Dean and finally, between 2000 and 2006, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Development and External Relations.

Professor Hodkinson has advised many organisations including the European Commission and successive curriculum and assessment bodies in England.

He has an honorary doctorate from the State Economics University, Uzbekistan, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Freeman of the Guild of Educators. He has represented education on Sport England's London Regional Sports Board since 2003.

Steve has been married to Moira for over 36 years and their two children both work in education. Love of France takes Steve to their house in the Languedoc region as frequently as possible and love of Sheffield United takes him to Bramall Lane too.