Introducing our Specialist Advisor - Andrew Woods

We are pleased to introduce Andrew Woods, Specialist Lead Adviser for maths within the School Improvement, Secondary, Special and PRU Service.  

Andrew has worked in a variety of school contexts. Starting his career in Walsall (West Midlands) he taught maths and as part of the teaching and learning team worked as a coach, coaching staff in a special measures school which made rapid improvement in a challenging context. Walsall was in 10% most deprived regions in England and Andrew learnt very quickly that great teaching starts with great student-teacher relationships.    

Hear more from Andrew in the update below.

With a deep-rooted passion for unlocking opportunities for young people, I've found my career in education to be very rewarding. My journey began in Walsall through the Teach First programme, where I discovered the profound satisfaction of the positive effects of nurturing inclusive and effective teaching. Since then, I've had various roles and responsibilities across several schools and regions of the UK, each experience reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of education.

Currently serving as a specialist adviser, with The Education People, I have the privilege of impacting the educational landscape across Kent, focussing mainly on mathematics and teaching and learning. I also work part time as a teacher in a school to ensure that I stay grounded to the challenges and demands of teaching and balance the demand of both roles.

Collaboration lies at the heart of my approach, as I engage with stakeholders across the region to foster co-operative partnerships. As a local leader in mathematics education and the lead for the secondary subject leader community for the Kent and Medway Maths hub, I strive to cultivate a culture of excellence and sharing of best practice.

A significant highlight of my career has been shaping key frameworks to elevate teaching and leadership standards. Whether as a subject lead for Kent and Medway Training or an NPQ facilitator for The Kent Teaching School Hub, I've played pivotal roles in designing training programs and facilitating reflective practices aligned with the latest pedagogical insights.

Armed with an MSc in Leadership in Education from the University of Bristol, I've honed by expertise in formative assessment, drawing inspiration from education research titans like Dylan William. My collaboration with The Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT) as a school mentor for the Embedding Formative Assessment Programme underscored my commitment to translating theory into impactful school practices.

My strengths lie in supporting school improvement endeavours that demand nuanced diagnostic approaches. Guiding school leaders in navigating their unique contexts and empowering them with tailored strategies for progress.

I am very fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful professionals and schools across the region and I am regularly astonished by the amazing offer we have in our area.

To find out more about how I can help you and your school, please read my Maths Consultancy Flyer, or email: Andrew Woods