The EB50 Most Influential list 2026
10
Chief Executive
The Harris Federation
Sir Dan Moynihan is Chief Executive of the Harris Federation, one of England’s highest-performing multi-academy trusts, educating more than 44,000 pupils across London and the South East.
9
Chief Executive
Star Academies
Sir Mufti, who has been CEO of Star Academies Trust since its inception, was also one of twenty leaders recently appointed to the Department for Education’s new academy trust CEO advisory group.
8
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.
7
CEO
Ormiston Academies Trust
As well as being CEO of Ormiston Academies Trust, Tom chairs the Department for Education’s advisory group on inclusion.
6
Group Chief Executive
United Learning
Jon Coles is Group Chief Executive of United Learning, England’s largest academy trust.
5
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.
4
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.
3
Executive Chair
Education Endowment Foundation
Former Ofsted chief inspector Dame Christine Gilbert is the new chair of Ofsted.
2
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
1
Chief Executive Officer
The Education Endowment Foundation
Professor Becky Francis CBE is leading the new government’s review of curriculum and assessment, which has had its interim findings published.