Jon Pickering is currently an adviser in the London Borough of Southwark, after a career which has combined classroom teaching, deputy headship, research and consultancy work. His interest in boys' achievement is being further developed by extensive research into boys' attitudes to school for a PhD at the University of London's Institute of Education.He is building a reputation for his work in the field of pupil involvement, primarily through his regular contact with pupils of all ages at work in classrooms. He has done extensive work with pupils about their learning and is the author of Involving Pupils in the "Research Matters" series. He is happiest when working and talking with children.