Alice Deignan is Professor of Applied Linguistics at the School of Education, University of Leeds. Her research uses specialist computer software to analyse language. She has studied the academic languages of school, comparing years, key stages and disciplines.

Marcus Jones is a secondary English teacher and experienced middle leader. He is also the literacy lead for Huntington Research School, part of the Education Endowment Foundation's Research School Network. He has delivered literacy training and support to primary and secondary schools across the country.