Robin Hunt, former Scholastic education publishing director, dies aged 55

Robin Hunt, former Scholastic education publishing director, has died aged 55.  

Catherine Bell, scholastic group managing director, said: “Our Scholastic family has shone brighter for his presence but we are all incredibly sad at the news of our friend and colleague Robin. Robin will be missed by everyone who knew him and we send our thoughts and strength to his wife, Fiona, his family and the Scholastic team who worked with him.” 

A statement from the publisher added: “Robin’s colleagues have benefitted from his in-depth knowledge of the curriculum and his enthusiasm for helping teachers and parents access the right information to further children’s learning. Robin understood the importance of literacy and acquiring skills to enrich your life and he shared his knowledge generously with good humour, enthusiasm and the sparkle of much-needed publishing passion. Beyond his work achievements Robin was an outstanding quiz master, a good friend, and although a terrible horse racing tipster he was brilliant company whatever the situation.” 

Hunt graduated from the University of Warwick in 1989, and began his career as an editor at Questions Publishing Company in Birmingham. After five years, he became a list development manager at Nelson Thornes in Cheltenham before joining Scholastic 19 years ago. Initially a maths commissioning editor, he became publishing director in 2006.  

Scholastic said: “Under his guidance, Scholastic published the bestselling 100 Lessons, the National Curriculum Practice workbook series, as well as successfully entering the 11+ market. Robin’s infectious enthusiasm led to him developing strong internal relationships and external partnerships with publishers around the world.” 

He became vice-chair of the Education Publishing Company and contributed to many industry initiatives on education publishing policy as well as being a longstanding trustee of the Publishing Training Centre. Hunt left Scholastic in May 2021 owing to ill health. 

There will be a service at St Michael and All Angels Church in Bishops Cleeve on Wednesday 19th April at 10.45 a.m.—attire will be smart casual with a hint of blue or lilac—followed by a private committal at the crematorium for family only. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations are made to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and The Cheltenham Animal Shelter.