The Priestley Lecture

(Please note the venue for this event has been changed from Room G39 to the Vaughan Jeffrey's Lecture Theatre. This is still within the School of Education)

Why the development of character is more important than exam results in schools

Speaker Dr Anthony Seldon is Britain’s best known Headmaster and is the acclaimed biographer of recent prime ministers and author of 30 books on contemporary history and policy. 

He became the Master of Wellington College in 2006, and before that had been head of Brighton College. He has been regularly asked to advise government on education and history, is the founder (with Lord Layard and Geoff Mulgan) of the national body, Action for Happiness, launched in April 2011, and is the historian to 10 Downing Street. He is a regular contributor to many national newspapers and frequently appears on television and radio.

We want to ensure you enjoy your visit to the University of Birmingham. Please contact us if you have any special requirements or require assistance (please note there are steps inside the venue for this event).

Sir Raymond Priestley was the Vice-Chancellor of The University of Birmingham from 1938 to 1952. He was a great supporter of the education of teachers and in 1959 it was decided to name this annual lecture after him.