Tim Sherriff OBE

Tim has been awarded the OBE in recognition of his distinguished service to education and his leadership at Westfield Community Primary School. The honour also reflects his longstanding support for the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors (CIEA), where his advocacy has contributed to strengthening professional standards across the sector. His award underscores the national importance of sustained commitment to educational excellence and the profound impact such dedication can have on pupils, staff, and the wider community.

Tim is currently Chair of the Training Advisory Group of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors (CIEA). He is an educational consultant and Ofsted Inspector. Tim has spent the last twenty-four years as headteacher of two primary schools, both serving areas of high deprivation in Wigan.  Until August 2022, Tim was Headteacher and Head of Centre at Westfield Community School and Start Well Family Centre in Wigan, which was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in its two previous Ofsted Inspections.  Westfield had been a designated NCTL Teaching School and National Support School. Tim was accredited as a National Leader of Education and supported many schools in this role. In 2007 he was named as the NCSL Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School for the Northwest of England.

Tim has particular expertise in assessment and in 2011 was invited to be a panel member of the Independent Review of Key Stage 2 testing, assessment and accountability, led by Lord Bew. He was also a member of the NAHT’s Commission on Assessment in 2014 and is was a member of their Assessment and Accountability Group and a Co-opted member of the National Executive’s Primary Sector Council. In 2018 Tim was a member of the NAHT’s Accountability Commission. Tim was a member of the Ofsted Headteacher Reference Group for the North of England and has given evidence to the Education Select Committee in Westminster. He was invited to deliver training on assessment to Ofsted’s Her Majesty’s Inspectors (Northwest). He chairs and speaks at national conferences on assessment, behaviour and attendance. Recently Tim has delivered training for the DfE on Reducing Teacher Workload. Tim is also a Lead Reviewer for Challenge Partners and the Red Kite Alliance.

President of the CIEA, Dr. Mick Walker said “I am absolutely delighted to hear that Tim has been recognised for his extensive contribution to education. I have known Tim since he was a member of the Bew Review of Statutory Assessment at Key Stage 2 and subsequently had the honour of working with him on the NAHT Commission on Assessment in 2014. Since that time, I have worked with Tim and his wonderful colleagues at Westfield Community School and the WOWS Consortium in Wigan on research projects focused on reducing teacher workload around assessment and equity in education.

Tim is widely acknowledged for his leadership qualities with Ofsted describing Westfield as a ‘beacon of hope’ in the local community during his tenure as headteacher. Never afraid to offer challenge, and always for the right reasons, Tim’s passion for education and extensive knowledge has been and continues to be a wonderful resource for the CIEA.  On behalf of the CIEA, I would like to congratulate Tim and thank him for his long-standing support and advocacy."