Nunn, Percy (1870–1944)

English educationist. He was principle of the London Day Training College 1922–32 and transformed it into the Institute of Education of the University of London, continuing as director 1932–36. His publications include the influential Education; its Data and First Principles (1920).

He maintained that the primary aim of all educational effort should be to help children achieve the highest possible degree of individual development, while not undervaluing the just claims of public duty and social service.

Nunn was educated at Bristol University and taught in secondary schools 1891–1905. In 1905 he was made vice-president of the London Day Training College, and in 1913 professor of education in the University of London. He succeeded John Adams as principal of the college. He also served as a member of the advisory committee of the Colonial Office on education and as a senator of London University.

His other publications include The Training of Teachers in Mathematics (1912), a report for the Board of Education; Teaching of Algebra (1914); Education Reform (1917); and Relativity and Gravitation (1923).