Robinson received his early education at the Manchester Grammar School (1957–1964), going up to the University of Oxford to read P.P.E. at Corpus Christi College (where he earned an Exhibition), graduating in 1967. He read for a research M.Phil. at the University of Nottingham (1968–1968), and continued postgraduate research at Corpus Christi College (1968–1970). In 2000, he was awarded a Ph.D. by the University of Liverpool for his published work (a "Staff Doctorate").
