John Clarke Stobart (5 March 1878 – 11 May 1933), commonly referred to as J. C. Stobart, was a distinguished classical scholar, educator, and the first Director of Education at the BBC. Affectionately known as ‘Jack’ among his friends and family, Stobart was born at Swyre Rectory, Dorset, England. His father, William Stobart, was a rector, and his mother, Susan Elizabeth (née Morris), came from a farming background in Rutland. The family relocated to London soon after his father’s appointment as Rector of Bermondsey. Stobart attended Rugby School and later Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned his BA in 1901 and his MA in 1904.

Stobart’s career was multifaceted and influential. He briefly studied at Greifswald University in Germany and in Edinburgh before becoming a teacher at Merchant Taylor’s School in London. In 1907, he became a lecturer at Trinity College, Cambridge, and later served as one of His Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools. His work during World War I included roles at the Ministry of Munitions and as Assistant Secretary to the British War Cabinet of 1917-18. In 1925, he joined the BBC as its first Director of Education, where he was responsible for pioneering programs like Children’s Hour and The Epilogue. He also suggested the BBC’s motto ‘Nation Shall Speak Peace Unto Nation’ and proposed a cultural network that was a precursor to ‘The Third Programme.’

Stobart was also a successful author, known for his books that combined scholarly insight with popular appeal, particularly in his depictions of Rome and Greece. Despite his illness with diabetes, he became renowned for his New Year’s Eve broadcast, ‘The Grand Good-night.’ Stobart passed away on 11 May 1933 in Surrey. His daughter, Elizabeth Frances, married Antony Cuthbert Spurling, QC, and was the mother of playwright and author John Spurling. At the time of his death, Stobart was offered a knighthood, recognizing his significant contributions to classical scholarship, education, and broadcasting.