New appointments to further strengthen AQA’s Executive Team

AQA is delighted to announce the appointment of two new members of its Executive Team. Natalie Perera will be joining as Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer and Dale Bassett will be re-joining AQA as Chief Qualifications Officer.

To support our growing presence in the vocational education sector, Anna Trethewey, currently Chief Corporate Affairs and Strategy Officer, will undertake a newly created role on AQA’s Executive Team as Chief Strategy and Vocational Officer. Anna has been fundamental in the development of AQA’s vocational offering and will lead on bringing together our vocational offer. In response Anna said: “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.

“Given our growing presence in the sector, and the emphasis placed on vocational and technical education in the Government’s recent Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, I’m excited to take on this important new role.”

Commenting on the announcement, AQA CEO Colin Hughes said: “These appointments further strengthen AQA’s Executive Team at a crucial period in the education sector.

“Assessment reform, both in general qualifications and vocational, has now launched in earnest with the publication of the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government’s response. In addition, our recent acquisition of Realise Training Group reinforces our commitment to vocational assessment and training.”

Natalie Perera, Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer

Natalie co-founded the Education Policy Institute in 2015 and is now Chief Executive Officer. Prior to her role in EPI, Natalie worked as a civil servant for over a decade, starting her career in the Department for Education where she led on a range of policies including early years, children’s services, school funding and the Pupil Premium. Between April 2014 to May 2015, Natalie was seconded to the Cabinet Office where she worked in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.

Commenting on her appointment, Natalie 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.”

Dale Bassett, Chief Qualifications Officer

Dale Bassett is currently Director of Curriculum & Assessment at United Learning, England’s largest schools trust with over 100 schools across all phases in the state and independent sectors. He is responsible for strategic leadership and innovation across the group, ensuring that curriculum and assessment are effective at Trust and school levels.

For almost a decade Dale was a senior leader at AQA, the UK’s largest awarding organisation, holding roles including Director of International, Head of Product Reform and Director of Public Policy. He also chaired the board of OxfordAQA, a joint venture with Oxford University Press.

Dale said: “I know from having worked at AQA previously just how important the organisation’s work is, and there is no more crucial time to join England’s biggest exam board than now.”

Natalie and Dale will join AQA in February 2026.