26 November 2025
At Craig’n’Dave, we believe that every mission needs its explorers, problem-solvers, and visionaries. Behind the scenes, our team is working tirelessly to make computer science teaching easier, more engaging, and – most importantly – fun. From producing high-quality videos to creating classroom resources used in thousands of schools, every member of our crew plays a vital role in helping teachers and students succeed.
This mini blog series is our chance to give you a peek behind the curtain – starting with the two masterminds who started it all: Craig and Dave.
Craig Sargent – CEO & Founder
The journey:
Craig has been a Computing teacher since 2005 and has had an illustrious career. With a degree in Computer Science, he worked as a programmer for the Ministry of Defence and freelanced for Lloyds TSB before discovering he had a talent for inspiring young people through teaching. He became a Head of Department, a CAS Master Teacher, and played a role in developing the 2014 Computing national curriculum.
Craig first wrote a computer program in primary school, and his love for problem-solving and innovation has never faded. Today, he channels that energy into creating videos and resources that teachers love and students actually enjoy using.
Quick Fire Fun –
- Favourite thing about CnD: Meeting the teachers and students whose learning we’ve helped transform. “You literally see the impact for tens of thousands of students, which is incredible.
- Favourite CnD product: Our remastered YouTube videos – polished, professional, and completely free. The early versions were… let’s just say, less than perfect!
- What would be your go-to space snack? Mars Bar
- Time travel or teleport: Time travel
- Rather fight a facehugger or xenomorph? Xenomorph
- Aliens exist? Absolutely
- Laser gun or lightsaber: Lightsaber
- Unexpected skill: Plays the piano (not very well!)
- PC or Mac: PC – Master Race!
Fun fact: Craig and Dave hatched the idea for the company while waiting for a train at London Paddington. One conversation about the new A Level Computing specifications turned into a mission to help teachers everywhere.
Dave Hillyard – CEO & Founder
The journey:
Dave has been shaping the world of Computing education since 1997. A graduate in Computer Science, he initially worked as an analyst programmer in the aviation sector – both civil and military – before following his childhood dream of becoming a teacher. He went on to lead Computer Science departments, train future teachers at the University of Gloucestershire, and take on senior leadership roles including Assistant Headteacher, Chair of Governors, and Vice Chair of a multi-academy trust.
By the age of 10, Dave had already written his first computer game – a sign that creativity and curiosity were always part of his DNA. Today, he uses that inventive spirit to develop tools like Smart Revise and Time2Code, helping students reach their potential while making life easier for teachers.
Quick Fire Fun –
- Favourite thing about CnD: Craig (of course!)
- Favourite CnD product: I think the product I’m most proud of is probably Smart Revise because I know that’s making the biggest difference to students up and down the country.
- What would be your go-to space snack? Galaxy
- Time travel or teleport: Time travel
- Aliens exist? Yes
- Rather fight a facehugger or xenomorph? Xenomorph
- Laser gun or lightsaber: Pew Pew
- Unexpected skill: Jack of all trades, master of none
- PC or Mac: PC Master Race!
Fun fact: Dave first met Craig when mentoring him as a trainee teacher. Their shared passion for top-quality resources led them to create materials together, which eventually became the foundation of Craig’n’Dave.
How It All Began
Back in 2014, the world of computing education in secondary schools was changing. The new national curriculum said goodbye to ICT and welcomed Computing – leaving teachers scrambling to cover new concepts and content. Both Craig and Dave were facing the same challenge: the new A Level specifications were complex, and they knew that if it was tough for them with years of experience, it would be even harder for other teachers.
So, one afternoon on a train from London Paddington, inspiration struck. They decided to pool their expertise and create a suite of resources and videos for teachers and students alike. What started as a small collaboration soon became a mission: transform computing education across the UK.
From sleepless nights making classroom resources to experimenting with flipped learning and video content, Craig and Dave built a company that has now reached over 200,000 Smart Revise users, millions of YouTube viewers, and countless classrooms across the country.
Stay tuned – this is just the first in our “Meet the Team” series!
In upcoming posts, we’ll introduce more of the brilliant minds behind Craig’n’Dave, share quirky facts, favourite products, and maybe even the occasional office secret.
