EPI CEO and co-founder to step down after a decade

The Education Policy Institute’s (EPI) chief executive, Natalie Perera, will step down from her role at the end of January 2026 following a decade at the helm of the organisation. Perera co-founded EPI in 2015 and over the past 10 years, has led its “significant” growth and established it as a “leading voice” within the education sector. 

Following her departure, she will join the exam board AQA as its chief external affairs and communications officer.  

Professor Sir Chris Husbands, chair of the board of trustees at EPI, said: “On behalf of the entire board, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Natalie for a decade of outstanding leadership. Her vision and passion were instrumental in co-founding this organisation and building it into the respected, high-impact body it is today. She leaves EPI in a strong position, and we wish her all the very best in her new role.”

Perera added: “Establishing and leading the Education Policy Institute over the past decade has been an immense privilege. With a talented and passionate team, we have built an organisation that drives evidence, speaks truth to power and, most importantly, puts children and young people front and centre of our mission.

“The time feels right for me to step away, knowing that EPI will continue to flourish. I’m looking forward to joining AQA, a charity which I have admired and worked with closely over the years, and I am pleased that this new role gives me the opportunity to continue to work closely with the sector.”

The board of trustees added it has begun the process of searching for a new chief executive.