He became a Fellow in 1934 and was one of the last Fellows to be elected by examination. Stanford was one of seven candidates nominated for the Provostship of the Trinity College on 11 March 1952 but was eliminated along with two other candidates in the first round of the election. He was considered, at the age of 42, to be too junior.
He became a Fellow in 1934 and one of the last Fellows elected by examination. In 1952, Stanford was among seven candidates nominated for the Provostship of Trinity College but was eliminated in the first round of voting at age 42 due to being deemed too junior.