Natalie Perera to join AQA after a decade leading the Education Policy Institute
Education Policy Institute CEO Natalie Perera has taken to LinkedIn to confirm she will leave the organization in early 2026 to join AQA as Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer.
Natalie Perera, CEO of the Education Policy Institute (EPI) in the UK, has announced that she will step down after ten years at the research organization.
EPI is an independent education policy think tank that produces analysis on attainment gaps, funding, mental health, and inequalities across England’s school system.
Perera stated in her post that “after ten years building an organisation that I absolutely love, the time feels right to move on,” adding that she will join AQA in February 2026. AQA is England’s largest exam board, responsible for general qualifications and an expanding portfolio in vocational and technical education.
Perera wrote that she has “long admired their work and can't wait to join the team!”
AQA announces new executive appointments
AQA confirmed the appointment on its own LinkedIn update, noting that Perera will become Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer. The organization also announced that Dale Bassett will return as Chief Qualifications Officer, and that Anna Trethewey will move into a new role as Chief Strategy and Vocational Officer, reflecting AQA’s expansion in the vocational sector.
AQA CEO Colin Hughes said, “These appointments further strengthen AQA’s Executive Team at a crucial period in the education sector.” He referenced ongoing reforms following the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, the Curriculum and Assessment Review, and the Government’s response to qualification reform.
AQA highlighted that its recent acquisition of Realise Training Group supports its commitment to vocational assessment and training.
Sector experience shapes new roles
Trethewey commented on the shift toward vocational strategy, noting “I’ve had a fantastic time heading up our corporate communications and strategy work at AQA, which has included leading on our recent acquisitions in the vocational and technical education space,” and added that she is “excited to take on this important new role.”
Reflecting on her appointment, Perera said, “Having worked in partnership with AQA for a number of years now, I know just how vital their work is. I’m looking forward to joining such an important organisation in the education landscape and leading the external engagement and communications work.”
