Author Tony Childs is currently Chief Examiner for GCSE English Literature for one of the major examination boards, and has previously written a highly regarded series of textbooks for students on exploring and writing about poetry for exams.

Simon Armitage was born in West Yorkshire and is Professor of Poetry at the University of Sheffield. A recipient of numerous prizes and awards, he has published ten collections of poetry, including Selected Poems (2001), Seeing Stars (2010), and his acclaimed translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (2007). A broadcaster and presenter, he also writes extensively for television and radio. In 2010 he received the CBE for services to poetry.