The EB50 Most Influential list 2026
20
Independent Behaviour Advisor
Department for Education
Tom Bennet ran the Department for Education’s Behaviour Hubs project, which has recently closed, having supported over 650 schools and academies.
19
Chief Executive Officer
Chartered College of Teaching
As CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching, Professor Dame Alison Peacock works to keep and attract excellent teachers into the profession.
18
Chair
Teaching Commission
Former NEU leader Dr Mary Bousted now chairs the Teaching Commission, which seeks to find solutions for the government to solve the recruitment and retention crisis.
17
General Secretary
National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT)
Paul is an advocate for school leaders, championing the interests of head teachers and the wider education profession.
16
Founder
Centre for Young Lives
Anne is founder and Chair of the Commission on Young Lives, an independent think tank dedicated to improving the lives of children, young people and families.
15
General Secretary
ASCL
As well as general secretary for the school leaders union ASCL, Pepe has previously been an executive headteacher of two schools.
14
General Secretary
National Education Union (NEU)
Daniel was elected NEU General Secretary in 2023, working previously as national president of the union.
13
Educationalist and former ASCL leader
Recently appointed to the board of Trustees at the Education Policy Institute (EPI), Geoff Barton brings over three decades of experience in education.
12
Chief Regulator
Ofqual
Sir Ian Bauckham CBE has been confirmed as the Chief Regulator of Ofqual and has now started the permanent five-year position after serving as interim Chief Regulator since 1 Jan 2024.
11
Children’s Commissioner for England
Dame Rachel de Souza is committed to ensuring the voices for children are heard, using their views to challenge, support and shape national policy.