[6] He was educated at Sheffield University, whence he was awarded his Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) honours degree in Biblical Studies in 1983.

He then studied for and received his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from that university in 1987, then trained for the ministry at Lincoln Theological College.

[a] Winton was made a deacon at Petertide 1991 (29 June), by Jim Thompson, Bishop of Stepney, at St Paul's Cathedral,[10] and ordained a priest the Petertide following (29 June 1992), by Brian Masters, Bishop of Edmonton, at All Hallows, Gospel Oak;[11] his first (title) post was as assistant curate (1991–1995) of Christ Church Southgate, London.

[12][13] His first post of responsibility was priest in charge of St Paul's Walden with Preston, Hertfordshire (1995–1999), during which time he was simultaneously Continuing Ministerial Education (CME) Officer for that diocese.

He was consecrated as bishop by Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, on 29 September 2009 (Michaelmas), at St Paul's Cathedral.