Toby’s research is focused on how policy and practice interact to shape educational opportunities and outcomes, in particular across local systems and through networks, and the nature and role of leadership in these processes.

His research includes studies funded by the Association of Education Committees, Economic and Social Research Council, Education Endowment Foundation, Nuffield Foundation, Wellcome Trust and UK Department for Education. He currently chairs the Greater Manchester Priority Area Partnership Board on behalf of the UK Department for Education.

His most recent book – Leading Educational Networks: Theory, Policy and Practice (Bloomsbury, 2022) – was co-authored with Dr Annelies Kamp, University of Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand. He has advised the OECD, EU and ministries in several countries on issues relating to school leadership and educational system reform.