Eric Anderson (teacher) facts for kids

Sir William Eric Kinloch Anderson (born May 27, 1936 – died April 22, 2020) was a very important British teacher and educator. He was the headmaster of Eton College, a famous school, from 1980 to 1994. Later, he became the provost (a senior leader) of Eton College from 2000 to 2009. Sir Eric is especially known for helping to educate a King and four Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom. He taught them at four different schools and universities.

Sir Eric Anderson's Early Life and Education

Eric Anderson was born on May 27, 1936. He went to school at George Watson's College in Edinburgh, Scotland. After that, he studied at the University of St Andrews. He earned top grades in English language and literature. He then continued his studies at Balliol College, Oxford, where he received another degree.

Teaching Career and Leadership Roles

Sir Eric Anderson started his teaching career at Fettes College in Edinburgh. He also taught at Gordonstoun, another school in Scotland. While at Gordonstoun, he taught Prince Charles, who is now King Charles III. Sir Eric even directed Prince Charles in a school play, where he acted as Macbeth.

Leading Famous Schools

After teaching, Sir Eric became a headmaster at several well-known schools. He was the headmaster at Abingdon School (1970–1975). Then he led Shrewsbury School (1975–1980). His most famous role was as Head Master of Eton College from 1980 to 1994.

Working with Future Leaders

Sir Eric Anderson taught many students who later became very famous. At Fettes College, he was the housemaster for Tony Blair, who later became Prime Minister. Tony Blair even mentioned Sir Eric in an advertisement, saying, "No one forgets a good teacher."

While Sir Eric was Head Master of Eton, he taught future Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson. Other notable students included Rory Stewart, Justin Welby (the Archbishop of Canterbury), Olympic rower Matthew Pinsent, and actors Dominic West and Damian Lewis.

Later Roles and Achievements

After Eton, Sir Eric became the rector (another leadership role) of Lincoln College, Oxford from 1994 to 2000. One of his students there was Rishi Sunak, who also became a Prime Minister. He also led the Heritage Lottery Fund for a few years. From 2000 to 2009, he returned to Eton College as its provost.

Sir Eric was also a trustee for Abbotsford House, the home of the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. He was recognized for his work and became a Knight of the Order of the Thistle in 2002. This is a very high honor in Scotland.

He retired from his role as provost of Eton in 2009. Sir Eric also held other important positions, like being a trustee for the Royal Collection Trust. He received special degrees from many universities for his contributions to education.

Sir Eric Anderson's Family Life

Eric Anderson was the son of William James Kinloch Anderson. His father owned a business in Edinburgh that made kilts. Sir Eric was married to Elizabeth, who was known as Poppy. They had two children: a son named David Anderson, who is a lawyer, and a daughter named Kate. Kate is married to Will Gompertz.

Sir Eric Anderson passed away on April 22, 2020, when he was 83 years old. This was just two days after his 60th wedding anniversary.

See also

• List of Old Abingdonians