He was educated at Ulverston Grammar School and Van Mildert College, Durham where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in economics, politics and sociology in 1969.
Between 1977 and 1983 he was Director of Pastoral Studies at Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford.
He is also trustee of the Shepherds Law Hermitage Trust and the Newcastle Diocesan Society.
He served for ten years as Chair of Governors of St Chad's College, Durham.
Wharton was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2011 New Year Honours for services to the Church of England and to the community in the North East.