Ashley Smith is a teacher of psychology and sociology who has long worked closely with A-level students, supporting them pastorally and academically. Before she decided to become a teacher, Ashley studied for a BA Hons in criminology and social policy at the University of Brighton. Ashley gained a PGCE in psychology and a master’s degree in educational studies from the University of Sussex. Currently, Ashley is an EdD student at the University of Bath. In her EdD thesis, Ashley is examining the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on new teachers in secondary state schools in England using Q-methodology. In her career, she has acted as head of social science and as a subject specialist for postgraduate trainee teachers of psychology.