Rob Dearden went to Bamford Road Primary School, in Heywood, Lancashire, from 1948 to 1955 when he moved to Heywood Grammar School where he stayed until 1963. He went on to Chester College where he completed a 3-year diploma course in physical education, also gaining an advanced pass in History and his Certificate of Education.

He joined the staff of South Shields Grammar-Technical School for Boys in September, 1966, but stayed only 20 months. He left to take up a position at Hulme Grammar School