The EB50 Most Influential list 2025
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10
Chief Executive
The Education Alliance
Jonny Uttley is the CEO of The Education Alliance (TEAL) – an 11-school trust based in Yorkshire.
9
Expert Adviser on Education to the Prime Minister
Oli de Botton has been appointed as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s expert adviser on education and skills, tasked with driving forward the government’s education vision.
8
Group Chief Executive
United Learning
Jon Coles is Group Chief Executive of United Learning, England’s largest academy trust.
7
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.
6
Vice Chairman of the Board / Committee Chair
Learning by Questions
Sir Kevan, previously school standards adviser at the Department for Education, has become DfE’s lead non-executive director.
5
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.
4
CEO
Confederation of School Trusts (CST)
As the founding Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts – the sector body for school trusts in England - Leora Cruddas is listened to in the sector.
3
Lead
Government’s curriculum and assessment review
Professor Becky Francis CBE is leading the new government’s review of curriculum and assessment, which has had its interim findings published.
2
Executive Chair
Education Endowment Foundation
Former Ofsted chief inspector Dame Christine Gilbert is the new chair of Ofsted.
1
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector
Ofsted
Sir Martyn Oliver took up the role of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at a pivotal moment for Ofsted, amid widespread calls for reform