LISTEN TO TOM SHERRINGTON AS NEVER BEFORE IN A RAW, HONEST, EMOTIONAL AND PASSIONATE EPISODE IN WHICH WE EXPLORE HIS LIFE AND CAREER - WHO IS TEACHERHEAD?

It is our absolute pleasure to welcome Tom Sherrington to Morethanajob podcast. It is a real honour to be talking to an education celebrity and one of the most influential educators in the UK. Tom is an experienced former Headteacher and teacher and, having worked in schools for 30 years starting training in 1986. Tom is the author and co-author of many education books that have shaped the landscape of education including the learning rainforest and the Walkthru series.

💥 At ResearchEd Surrey you spent some time in Farnham after your talk as you grew up here. Tell us about yourself then – who is Tom Sherrington? What was life like growing up for you?

💥 Tom you then moved up t’north in Wigan and worked at Winstanley College teaching physics. What was life like as an NQT? You were influenced by Tom Billington – how did this shape your philosophy?

💥 So from the North back down South to Nottinghill at Holland Park School where you spent 7 years and served in a number of roles. You’ve talked about a baptism of fire for behaviour management – what’s your philosophy on behaviour management? Is there a particular philosophy that you believe in?

💥 Tom you’ve talked about your time in Jakarta with a culture of total achievement. What was this foreign experience like and do you think in the UK now we are starting to become so focussed on ‘closing the gap’ and vulnerable students that we are at risk of not stretching the very highest and able learners to maximise achievement?

💥 Grammar Schools. You worked at King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford and this place holds a special place in your heart and educational journey. What made it so special and is there a place for Grammar Schools in the UK?

💥  Your last headship was at Highbury Grove. What is the story there? Do you miss the classroom and day to day school leadership?

💥 You have been part of the Headteachers’ Roundtable group – can you talk about this group and what it does? How much influence does it have?