A geography teacher, head of year and head of department, Andy was a headteacher in east London for thirteen years. In the last year of headship, his school was judged outstanding in all categories and Andy was designated National Leader of Education. In 2009 he become a Director at the National College for School Leadership, leading on the London Challenge programme. He was subsequently responsible for setting up the government's flagship Teaching Schools programme. In 2012, he was appointed as Managing Director for Academies at United Learning. Andy established Leadership Matters, an organisation that focuses on providing strategic advice on educational leadership as well as practical input through executive coaching, leadership team development programmes and training. Andy combines this with part-time roles as Dean of the Leadership Faculty at Teaching Leaders and as the Senior Leadership Advisor for United Learning. Andy was invited to become a Fellow of the RSA in 2014 and has been a Board member for various organisations including the Teacher Training Agency, the National College for School Leadership and Partnerships for Schools. He is currently a Trustee for the Teacher Development Trust and the Teaching Awards. He has written three educational management books: 'Making School Work'; 'What Makes a Great School' and 'What Makes a Great Middle Leader?