His teaching and research focus on formative assessment, student self-assessment, reflection and meritocracy. He was initially trained as a lawyer, and this has conditioned his pedagogy which emphasises evidence based inquiry, precise identification of issues and argumentation from, and with, his students. Amongst others, the teaching and thinking of David Boud, Sir Alex Ferguson and Oliver Jeffers have influenced his work. Whilst much of his work is grounded in the implications and implementations of formative assessment in schools, he is increasingly drawn to examples of formative assessment practice and leadership in non-educational contexts. The application of assessment for learning and leadership principles in the contrasting approaches of David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal currently occupy his thoughts and reflection.