Tribute to Tom Burns
Sharing Miriam's Story
Sandra
8 July 2025
Tom Burns
Tom absolutely lived by his principles. He was passionate about equity – fairness and justice – regarding the whole world.
Despite his huge modesty, Tom achieved a great deal, particularly with regard to the students he cared so much about. He understood where those who had not had the advantages of a good preparatory education were coming from; supported them; and explained this to other staff at London Met so that they could support and appreciate these students.
He, with Sandra took it upon themselves to make up for these failures in the education system. They wrote a textbook , now in multiple editions, which took account, first of the ‘technical’ aspects of study skills. They developed these imaginatively to make study, perhaps for the first time in their lives, enjoyable and fun for their students. They also effectively empowered students to become independent, effective and critical learners.
Unusually, their wonderful study skills book also addressed emotional issues around learning, again showing the sensibility and awareness that made them so special and changed so many lives.
All these ideas of course have been exported to many classrooms nationally and further afield. Not only students, but staff too have been exposed to ideas about learning (and teaching) being kind, inclusive, joyful, creative, liberatory and within everyone’s grasp.
On a personal level, Tom – and Sandra – it is so difficult to separate them – have been caring, delightful, constant, loyal and loving friends. Whenever we met for the great lunches we used to have before Covid, and despite my firm intentions, Tom always managed to trick me so that he ended up paying before I could! I’m sure others will recognise this!
An example of his willingness to put himself out, at great inconvenience and possible risk to himself, was offering to fetch Vic, my husband, and myself in the middle of the night from Luton Airport and drive us to London at the height of Covid, after we had come off a crowded plane, possibly with Covid-infected passengers.
Thank you Tom for your love and friendship, for your passion for what is right, and for your determination and actions to make things better wherever you could. You, and Sandra, have confirmed and strengthened my belief and optimism in the possibility of a world that could be kinder, fairer and more joyful for everyone.
Thank you.
Tom absolutely lived by his principles. He was passionate about equity – fairness and justice – regarding the whole world.
Despite his huge modesty, Tom achieved a great deal, particularly with regard to the students he cared so much about. He understood where those who had not had the advantages of a good preparatory education were coming from; supported them; and explained this to other staff at London Met so that they could support and appreciate these students.
He, with Sandra took it upon themselves to make up for these failures in the education system. They wrote a textbook , now in multiple editions, which took account, first of the ‘technical’ aspects of study skills. They developed these imaginatively to make study, perhaps for the first time in their lives, enjoyable and fun for their students. They also effectively empowered students to become independent, effective and critical learners.
Unusually, their wonderful study skills book also addressed emotional issues around learning, again showing the sensibility and awareness that made them so special and changed so many lives.
All these ideas of course have been exported to many classrooms nationally and further afield. Not only students, but staff too have been exposed to ideas about learning (and teaching) being kind, inclusive, joyful, creative, liberatory and within everyone’s grasp.
On a personal level, Tom – and Sandra – it is so difficult to separate them – have been caring, delightful, constant, loyal and loving friends. Whenever we met for the great lunches we used to have before Covid, and despite my firm intentions, Tom always managed to trick me so that he ended up paying before I could! I’m sure others will recognise this!
An example of his willingness to put himself out, at great inconvenience and possible risk to himself, was offering to fetch Vic, my husband, and myself in the middle of the night from Luton Airport and drive us to London at the height of Covid, after we had come off a crowded plane, possibly with Covid-infected passengers.
Thank you Tom for your love and friendship, for your passion for what is right, and for your determination and actions to make things better wherever you could. You, and Sandra, have confirmed and strengthened my belief and optimism in the possibility of a world that could be kinder, fairer and more joyful for everyone.
Thank you.
