He obtained a first-class in Literae Humaniores in 1865;[2] and he was successively fellow and lecturer at The Queen's College, Oxford, 1866–1868,[4] second master at his old school and finally headmaster of Hurstpierpoint, 1873–1879.

Awdry was consecrated Bishop Suffragan of Southampton by Archbishop Benson at St. Paul's Cathedral on June 29, 1895.

As the Bishop of South Tokyo, Awdry led the diocese during a period of growth, improved Anglo-Japanese diplomatic relations, as well as rapid social and political change.

The Nippon Sei Ko Kai, benefited from greater protections enshrined in the Meiji Constitution of 1899, but a new era of Japanese nationalist politics and an expansionist foreign policy also tested the leadership of the young church.

W. Awdry was the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine and author of the acclaimed children's Railway Series.