Colet was an English scholar, Renaissance humanist, theologian, member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers, and Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, London.

On his return to England in 1496 he took orders and settled at Oxford, where he lectured on the epistles of Saint Paul, replacing the old scholastic method of interpretation with one more in harmony with the new learning.

Around 1508, having inherited his father's wealth, Colet formed his plan for the re-foundation of St Paul's School, which he completed in 1512, and endowed with estates of an annual value of £122 and upwards.

[1] The school, dedicated to the Infant Jesus, was in place to give young boys a Christian education.

The celebrated grammarian William Lilye was the first master, and the company of mercers were (in 1510) appointed trustees, the first example of non-clerical management in education.

Some held Colet's religious opinions to be heretical, but William Warham, the Archbishop of Canterbury, refused to prosecute him.

[1] Colet was rector of the guild of Jesus at St Paul's Cathedral and chaplain to Henry VIII.

Furthermore, Colet stated that he came "…here today, fathers, to admonish you with all your minds to deliberate, in this your Council, concerning the reformation of the Church".

He gave this speech in the wake of political tension; specifically, an English push for war against France.

He studied Cicero, Augustine, Jerome, John Chrysostom, Ignatius of Antioch, Lactantius and Polycarp.

[3] In his writings, Colet refers to Italian humanists and Platonists Marsilio Ficino and Pico della Mirandola.

His monument was erected on the south aisle of the choir at the cathedral church of Saint Paul but destroyed in the Great Fire of London.

Together with Lilye, Erasmus, and Wolsey, Colet produced materials forming the basis of the authorised Latin Grammar, used for centuries in the English schools.

In the introductory paragraph, Colet concludes by stating that his presence is due to the need for the Council to consider a Church reformation.

First, in regard to pride of life, Colet believes that priests of the day were more consumed by the honour and dignity one could receive by being a part of the priesthood.

Secondly, many priests take part in the lust for the flesh: feasting and banqueting, vain conversation, sports, plays, hunting, and hawking.

[6] A bronze statue of John Colet with two pupils, made by Hamo Thornycroft in 1902, has a prominent position near the entrance of St Paul's School, London.