Stephen was asked to leave Sixth Form College and worked as a postman for several years before entering University as a mature student. He was a research fellow at The Queen’s College, Oxford for 3 years before taking up his current post at Heythrop.

He is the author of The War For Children’s Minds, a book attacking popular media myths and arguments concerning faith schools, liberal values, etc. The book defends a philosophical, liberal approach to moral and religious education. Phillip Pullman said the book should be read by every parent, every teacher and every politician.

Stephen is also author of three children’s philosophy books, including The Philosophy Files (age 12+), which was The Guardian’s no.2 best-seller in 2000.