Tributes paid to “outstanding” former University of Sunderland governor Ian Kershaw

Published on 25, November, 2025

Tributes have been paid to a former University of Sunderland governor whose “passion for education – and for Sunderland itself – shone through in everything he did.”

It comes following the death of Ian Kershaw, a much-respected former governor who served on the board of the University from August 2017 to January 2025.

Ian attended Sunderland College of Education – which later became the University of Sunderland – where he was also President of the College’s Entertainment Committee.

He was a member of the Finance and Development Committee, and the Academic Assurance Committee. He represented the University on the Board of Sunderland Culture. He retired from full-time work in December 2022.

Ian had been the CEO of two multi-academy trusts in the north-east and was the managing director of Northern Education Associates for 11 years. Appointed by Birmingham City Council as the Independent Chief Adviser, he led the investigation into the so-called ‘Trojan Horse’ affair in 2014. He served as a National Challenge Adviser for the Department for Education (DfE) for several years.

Ian led an Education Action Zone across East Durham between 2000 and 2005; he was previously the executive head teacher at a residential special school in County Durham and was also an experienced secondary principal who led Sidney Stringer Community Technology College in Coventry for 11 years.

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Mark Burdon, Chair of the University’s Board of Governors, said: “Ian’s impact on the University of Sunderland is lasting and deeply felt. His passion for education – and for Sunderland itself – shone through in everything he did.

“As a governor, Ian brought unwavering commitment, wisdom and integrity to the board, always championing the University’s mission and the success of its students.”

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “Ian was an outstanding governor of the University of Sunderland. He made many and varied contributions to our work, all of which drew upon his extensive career in education across the decades. 

 “Ian was a ‘model’ non-executive, combining proper challenge and scrutiny with empathy and understanding. We will miss him very much.”