About Us

Andy Leach

Andy is currently an Assistant Lead Examiner for A level Sociology, bringing extensive hands-on expertise as a former Principal Moderator and over 40 years of teaching and examining experience across GCSE, AS, and A level. He holds a B.Ed Hons degree in Sociology and P.E from Liverpool University and an MA in Education. Co-author of the earlier Sociology A level textbook "Think Sociology," he now delivers teacher CPD and student sociology skills sessions, as well as creating assessment packages for schools and colleges.

Andy is personable, adaptable, and a great motivator for both staff and students, no matter their academic background or subject knowledge. Always positive, he strives for the very best for every student and teacher he works with. His recent roles as Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher of Curriculum, Director of Sixth Form, and Head of Department in 11–18 schools in Leeds, Huddersfield, and Pickering, as well as Head of Studies at an outstanding F.E. college in York, are a testament to this.

Liz Beaven

After 15 years at the chalk face as a Head of Faculty (Sociology GCSE & A Level as well as Religious Studies, PSHE, Psychology, Philosophy, and General Studies), Head of Careers and Assistant Head Teacher (Teaching & Learning/CPD), Liz has spent the last few years working within Higher Education to support widening participation in social sciences, alongside dedicating her time and passion to Sociology Support!

Rated as "outstanding" in all Ofsted and internal performance measures, Liz is considered an excellent practitioner. She ran a successful faculty for 12 years and mentored colleagues at all stages of their teaching career.

Liz is a former Lead Examiner and has been in senior teams for many years, having started as an associate examiner in 2005. Liz trains and monitors her senior and associate examiners in every exam season and has considerable experience in communicating essential skills and knowledge underpinning sociological assessment. Liz graduated with a BSc degree in Sociology from University of Bath and a PGCE in Secondary Religious Studies from Bath Spa University.

Jess Marston

Jess is an Assistant Lead Examiner for A Level Sociology with over 15 years of teaching and examining experience at GCSE, AS, and A Level. Her career has taken her to schools in Stoke-on-Trent, Cannock, Thornbury, and Cheltenham. She holds a First-Class Honours Degree in Sociology and Drama from the University of Wolverhampton and a PGCE in Sociology from Keele University.

Jess teaches at an 11-18 school, delivering GCSE and A Level Sociology, Health and Social Care, along with Drama. She also mentors ECT teachers, offering leadership and support in marking and course delivery. In addition, she’s working on building a Social Sciences network in her local area to share and promote best practices.

Craig Stimson

As a Sociology graduate of Liverpool University, Craig undertook a PGCE in Social Science at Manchester Metropolitan University allowing him to fulfil his long held ambition to teach. Within a few years of commencing his teaching career he began work as an examiner valuing greatly the insight it afforded to his own practice. Having worked on numerous examination papers throughout the last 30 years he has developed an in-depth knowledge and breadth of skills; most recently as an Assistant Lead Examiner for the leading awarding body where he has enjoyed supporting both experienced and new examiners alike. 

Craig’s teaching career has included leading a Social Science Faculty in Ossett to an ‘outstanding’ grade from OFSTED, to facilitating some of the best A level Sociology results nationally as Head of Faculty at a centre in Harrogate. As Assistant Principal in a college in Pontefract he led on Student Well-Being and Achievement working with dedication to remove barriers to learning for all students. His passion for Sociology and his ability to motivate is evident, not only in his results, but also in his approach to teaching.