Wright received a first in theology and history from University of Cambridge and, when finished, took a post as Lecturer in Ecclesiastical History in the divinity school of University of Edinburgh in 1964.
Wright received a first in Theology and History from the University of Cambridge and, when finished, did further postgraduate studies at Lincoln College, Oxford from 1961 to 1964. He then took a post as Lecturer in Ecclesiastical History at New College, Edinburgh in 1964.