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50 Essential UK State School Thought Leaders (2026)

  • Jonno White
  • Mar 16
  • 18 min read

The United Kingdom's state school system educates roughly 93 per cent of all children in England, yet the thought leaders shaping its future remain surprisingly difficult to identify in one place. If you are a headteacher, deputy head, MAT CEO, or school governor searching for the voices that will genuinely sharpen your thinking in 2026, this directory is for you.

 

The state school landscape in England has shifted dramatically in the past twelve months. The Curriculum and Assessment Review published in November 2025 set out sweeping recommendations for curriculum, assessment, and qualification reform. Ofsted confirmed its transition from single word headline judgements to a report card system taking effect from November 2025. The government's schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, published in February 2026, committed to 6,500 additional teachers, a more trust led system, and stronger accountability for inclusion and SEND.

 

Meanwhile, initial teacher training recruitment remains uneven across subjects, and the 2024 school workforce census recorded approximately 468,000 full time equivalent teachers with vacancy rates still sitting at five per 1,000 teachers. Against this backdrop, knowing which voices to follow, learn from, and bring into your school community is not a luxury. It is a strategic decision.

 

This directory profiles 50 thought leaders who are actively shaping UK state school education in 2026. These are not generic motivational speakers. Every person on this list is either leading a state school or trust, producing research that changes classroom practice, driving policy that affects your students, or building the tools and networks your teachers rely on.

 

Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator and bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out with over 10,000 copies sold globally, works with schools around the world to build high performing leadership teams. While the thought leaders below focus specifically on the UK state school context, the leadership dynamics they navigate, trust, communication, team alignment, and culture, are universal. To discuss how Jonno's facilitation work might complement your school's leadership development, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

 

UK state school corridor with open classroom doors and warm light representing education thought leadership in 2026

Why UK State School Thought Leadership Matters More Than Ever

 

The challenges facing state school leaders in 2026 are unprecedented in their complexity. The National Education Union's research found that 80 per cent of school leaders consider their workload unacceptable, with weekly working hours averaging 57 hours. Only 37 per cent reported being completely or mostly satisfied with their job.

 

The Education Policy Institute's research demonstrated that replacing an ineffective headteacher with an effective one increases pupil attainment by an average of two GCSE grades across all subjects. Leadership quality is not abstract. It is measurable and consequential.

 

The thought leaders profiled below are the people producing the research, writing the books, leading the conferences, and shaping the policies that determine what good leadership looks like in state schools. Following the right voices can save a headteacher hundreds of hours of wasted professional development, prevent costly mistakes in curriculum design, and accelerate improvement across an entire trust.

 

For more on educational leadership speakers who address these challenges globally, check out my blog post '100 Top Educational Leadership Speakers (2026)' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/educational-leadership-speakers.

 

How We Compiled This Directory

 

This directory was built through a rigorous cross referencing process. We analysed the top ranking competitor articles, extracted names from three separate AI research tools, verified each person's current role and activity through web search, and cross referenced against conference speaker lists, awards recipients, and professional body leadership teams.

 

We prioritised thought leaders who meet three criteria. First, they are currently active and producing content, whether through books, blogs, podcasts, social media, or conference speaking. Second, their work is directly relevant to the UK state school context. Third, they are respected by practitioners, not just academics or policy commentators.

 

The directory is organised into seven categories covering the full spectrum of state school thought leadership. Within each category, entries appear in no particular ranking order. Every person listed here adds genuine value for a school leader building their professional network in 2026.

 

1. Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Evidence Informed Practice

 

This category covers the thought leaders producing the frameworks, books, and research that directly influence how teachers teach and how school leaders design their curriculum.

 

Professor Becky Francis CBE

 

Professor Becky Francis CBE is CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation and led the government's Curriculum and Assessment Review, which published its final report in November 2025. Her work on educational inequality, attainment gaps, and curriculum reform makes her one of the most consequential figures in UK education. The review's recommendations, including a new core enrichment entitlement, compulsory citizenship in primary, and equal status for arts GCSEs, will reshape state school practice for a decade.

 

Tom Sherrington

 

Tom Sherrington is a former headteacher with over 30 years of experience in UK schools who now works as an education consultant and author. His books, including The Learning Rainforest and the WalkThrus series co authored with Oliver Caviglioli, have become essential reading for teachers and middle leaders across the state sector. He co hosts the Mind the Gap podcast with Emma Turner and is a regular contributor to researchED events.

 

Mary Myatt

 

Mary Myatt is an education adviser, writer, and speaker whose book High Challenge, Low Threat has become a touchstone for school leaders seeking cultures where high expectations coexist with psychological safety. Her other books include The Curriculum: Gallimaufry to Coherence, Hopeful Schools, and the Huh series co authored with John Tomsett. She is Vice Chair of the Centre for Education and Youth and sits on the curriculum advisory group for Oak National Academy.

 

Daisy Christodoulou

 

Daisy Christodoulou is Director of Education at No More Marking and the author of Seven Myths About Education and Making Good Progress. Her work on comparative judgement, assessment reform, and the application of cognitive science to curriculum design has influenced thousands of schools.

 

Tom Bennett OBE

 

Tom Bennett OBE is the founder of researchED and the government's independent behaviour adviser. His work on behaviour management, school culture, and evidence informed practice has made researchED one of the most important grassroots education movements in the UK. His books include Running the Room and The researchED Guide to Explicit and Direct Instruction.

 

David Didau

 

David Didau is a Senior Lead Practitioner for English at Ormiston Academies Trust and the author of Making Kids Cleverer and What If Everything You Knew About Education Was Wrong. His blog, The Learning Spy, covers cognitive science, literacy, and reading instruction.

 

Alex Quigley

 

Alex Quigley is an education author and EEF associate whose book Closing the Vocabulary Gap has become essential reading for schools focused on literacy and disadvantage. His work on metacognition and evidence informed teaching translates academic research into practical classroom strategies.

 

John Tomsett

 

John Tomsett is a former headteacher of Huntington School in York, one of England's first Research Schools. He taught for 33 years in state schools and was a teaching headteacher for 18 years. His blog This Much I Know and his books, including the Huh series with Mary Myatt and Love Over Fear, offer honest, reflective perspectives on the realities of headship.

 

Peps Mccrea

 

Peps Mccrea is an educator, writer, and consultant whose books Motivated Teaching and Memorable Teaching have become go to resources for teachers interested in the science of learning. His work translates complex research into concise, actionable frameworks.

 

Professor Rob Coe

 

Professor Rob Coe is a researcher at Evidence Based Education and the University of Durham whose work on assessment, teaching quality, and evaluation has produced some of the most cited evidence on what makes great teaching.

 

For more on building high performing leadership teams in schools, check out my blog post '31 Best Leadership Development Experts for Schools (2026)' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/leadership-development-experts-schools.

 

2. MAT Leadership and System Architecture

 

The academisation of England's school system means that multi academy trust leadership is now one of the defining features of state education. These leaders are shaping how trusts grow, govern, and improve schools at scale.

 

Leora Cruddas CBE

 

Leora Cruddas CBE is CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts, the main sector body for school trusts in England. She is one of the defining voices on MAT strategy, civic leadership, and trust governance. Her thought leadership papers through CST's Bridge to the Future series have shaped how the sector thinks about trust leadership as a distinct discipline.

 

Sir Dan Moynihan

 

Sir Dan Moynihan is CEO of the Harris Federation, one of England's largest and most prominent academy trusts. His work in inner city school improvement and rapid turnaround has made Harris a case study in MAT scaling, though his approach also attracts debate about centralisation and autonomy.

 

Sir Jon Coles

 

Sir Jon Coles is Chief Executive of United Learning, one of England's largest school groups. His leadership across both primary and secondary schools, combined with United Learning's emphasis on curriculum and professional development, makes him an influential voice in trust strategy.

 

Sir Hamid Patel CBE

 

Sir Hamid Patel CBE is Chief Executive of Star Academies, a trust known for strong academic outcomes and character education. His work on social mobility through state schooling has earned widespread recognition, though his leadership has also attracted scrutiny and debate.

 

Sir David Carter

 

Sir David Carter is a former National Schools Commissioner who now works as an executive coach and adviser. His influence on MAT leaders remains substantial, and he continues to speak at major conferences about system leadership, trust growth, and executive leadership development.

 

Katharine Birbalsingh CBE

 

Katharine Birbalsingh CBE is Founder and Headteacher of Michaela Community School, a free school in London that has generated both admiration and controversy for its strict behaviour policies and knowledge rich curriculum. Her book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Teachers and her public commentary make her one of the most recognisable figures in UK education discourse.

 

Steve Rollett

 

Steve Rollett is Deputy CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts. His work on trust policy, accountability frameworks, and system reform makes him an important voice for MAT leaders navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

 

John Murphy

 

John Murphy is CEO of Oasis Community Learning, one of England's larger trusts. His focus on social justice, community integration, and inclusive leadership offers a distinctive perspective on what trust leadership can look like when civic mission is central.

 

Jonno White, host of The Leadership Conversations Podcast with 230 episodes reaching listeners in over 150 countries, regularly interviews school leaders navigating the challenges of trust leadership, team dynamics, and organisational culture. Many schools find that international travel is far more affordable than expected when engaging Jonno for team facilitation. Email jonno@consultclarity.org.

 

3. Policy, Research, and Advocacy

 

These thought leaders produce the data, analysis, and policy recommendations that shape how government, Ofsted, and school leaders understand performance, funding, and reform.

 

Sir Martyn Oliver

 

Sir Martyn Oliver is His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education at Ofsted. As the central figure in the transition from single word judgements to report cards, his decisions directly affect every state school in England. His pilot programme to use more serving school and college leaders as inspectors signals a shift in Ofsted's relationship with the sector.

 

Sam Freedman

 

Sam Freedman is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government and author of Failed State, a widely discussed analysis of English education policy. His commentary on policy, funding structures, and government machinery makes him one of the sharpest analytical voices in the sector.

 

Julie McCulloch

 

Julie McCulloch has been announced as the incoming Chief Executive of the Education Policy Institute, taking up post in May 2026. Her background at ASCL and in policy analysis positions her as an important bridge between school leadership and research.

 

Jon Andrews

 

Jon Andrews has served in senior analyst and interim leadership roles at the Education Policy Institute. He is one of the sector's most useful data explainers, producing accessible analysis of school data, accountability, disadvantage, and trust performance.

 

Jo Hutchinson

 

Jo Hutchinson is a Director at EPI whose work on SEND, wellbeing, disadvantage, and system reform is highly cited. Her research on inclusion has become particularly relevant as the February 2026 white paper introduced significant proposed changes to SEND provision.

 

Professor Lee Elliot Major OBE

 

Professor Lee Elliot Major OBE is Professor of Social Mobility at the University of Exeter. His books, including Equity in Education and What Works, and his public commentary on disadvantage, tutoring, and social mobility make him a leading academic voice on educational equity.

 

Professor Becky Allen

 

Professor Becky Allen is an independent researcher formerly associated with Teacher Tapp and FFT. Her work on the teacher labour market, school effectiveness, and data analysis makes her one of the most important workforce researchers in the sector.

 

Carole Willis OBE

 

Carole Willis OBE is Chief Executive of the National Foundation for Educational Research. NFER produces major research on teacher retention, recruitment, assessment, and evaluation that directly informs government policy and school practice.

 

Nick Harrison

 

Nick Harrison is CEO of the Sutton Trust, the most prominent organisation focused on social mobility and educational disadvantage. The trust's research on access, attainment, and opportunity continues to shape public debate and policy.

 

Dame Rachel de Souza

 

Dame Rachel de Souza is the Children's Commissioner for England and a former academy trust CEO. Her work on attendance, safeguarding, children's rights, and vulnerable learners gives her a distinctive platform that bridges children's policy and school practice.

 

For more on the intersection of leadership and school culture, check out my blog post '33 Inspiring School Leaders Building Staff Culture' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/school-leaders-building-staff-culture.

 

4. Professional Development and Teacher Pipeline

 

These thought leaders are building the systems, qualifications, and networks that develop teachers and leaders across their careers.

 

Hilary Spencer

 

Hilary Spencer is Chief Executive of Ambition Institute, one of the most influential organisations in teacher development, NPQ delivery, and leadership pipeline building. Ambition's programmes shape thousands of new and aspiring leaders each year.

 

Dame Alison Peacock

 

Dame Alison Peacock is CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching, the professional body for teachers. Her earlier work as a headteacher and her book Learning Without Limits established her reputation for teacher agency and professionalism.

 

James Toop

 

James Toop is CEO of Teach First, one of the most recognised teacher pipeline organisations in England. His focus on disadvantage, leadership, and system equity makes Teach First a significant player in teacher recruitment and early career development.

 

Laura McInerney

 

Laura McInerney is co founder of Teacher Tapp, the daily polling app that provides real time insight into teacher workload, attitudes, and practice. Her background as a journalist and policy commentator, combined with Teacher Tapp's data, makes her one of the sector's best informed communicators.

 

Matt Hood OBE

 

Matt Hood OBE is CEO of Oak National Academy, the platform providing free curriculum resources and now running major EEF trials with its AI powered lesson assistant Aila. His work on curriculum resourcing and AI integration is directly relevant to every state school.

 

David Weston

 

David Weston is CEO of the Teacher Development Trust and a former Chair of the DfE CPD group. His advocacy for high quality professional development and his research on what makes CPD effective have shaped how schools invest in their staff.

 

Cat Scutt MBE

 

Cat Scutt MBE is moving to CEO of The PTI in 2026, having previously served as Deputy CEO at the Chartered College. Her work bridges professional body leadership, policy, and subject community building.

 

Jill Berry

 

Jill Berry is a leadership consultant, author, and coach whose work with headteachers, particularly women aspiring to headship, has made her one of the most respected voices in leadership development.

 

5. Associations, Unions, and Sector Leadership

 

These leaders represent the collective voice of school leaders and teachers, influencing policy, funding, and working conditions.

 

Pepe Di'Iasio

 

Pepe Di'Iasio is General Secretary of ASCL, the Association of School and College Leaders. He is among the most quoted school sector leaders in England, providing commentary on leadership policy, funding, accountability, and staffing at a national level.

 

Paul Whiteman

 

Paul Whiteman is General Secretary of NAHT, the principal union and association for headteachers and senior leaders. His advocacy on primary education, workload, and inspection reform gives NAHT significant influence on school leader working conditions.

 

Daniel Kebede

 

Daniel Kebede is General Secretary of the National Education Union, the largest education union in Europe. His focus on teacher pay, workload, recruitment and retention, and equity makes NEU a powerful voice in the national education debate.

 

James Bowen

 

James Bowen is Assistant General Secretary of NAHT. His visibility as a commentator and former headteacher makes him an important practical voice on accountability, curriculum, and operational school leadership.

 

Jo Rowley

 

Jo Rowley is ASCL President for 2025 to 2026 and a Deputy Headteacher at Walton High School. Her current high profile leadership role gives her a platform on school leadership, parental relations, and inclusion.

 

Evelyn Forde MBE

 

Evelyn Forde MBE is a former headteacher and former ASCL President. Named TES Headteacher of the Year, her conference presence and work on diversity, inclusion, and race equity in school leadership continues to influence the sector.

 

Annamarie Hassall MBE

 

Annamarie Hassall MBE is CEO of nasen, the leading SEND and inclusion body. Her work on specialist provision, workforce capacity, and inclusive leadership makes nasen an essential resource for schools navigating rising SEND demand.

 

6. Wellbeing, Inclusion, and Belonging

 

These thought leaders focus on the human dimensions of school leadership, including mental health, diversity, trauma informed practice, and inclusive culture.

 

Pooky Knightsmith

 

Pooky Knightsmith is Director of Creative Education and one of the most recognised voices on mental health in schools. Her practical training on trauma informed practice, safeguarding, and staff and student wellbeing is widely used across the state sector.

 

Natasha Devon MBE

 

Natasha Devon MBE is a writer, campaigner, and speaker on adolescent mental health, wellbeing, and online harms. Her public advocacy and schools work make her a prominent voice on the challenges facing young people.

 

Hannah Wilson

 

Hannah Wilson is founder of Diverse Educators and a leadership coach. Her work on DEI, representation, and educator networks has made Diverse Educators a major connector across inclusion and leadership communities.

 

Bennie Kara

 

Bennie Kara is an author, consultant, and deputy headteacher whose work on diversity in the curriculum, anti racism, and global perspectives has influenced how schools approach curriculum inclusion.

 

Viv Grant

 

Viv Grant is founder of Integrity Coaching and a former headteacher. Her focus on school leader wellbeing, inclusive leadership, and coaching makes her a trusted voice for headteachers navigating the emotional demands of the role.

 

Sonia Thompson

 

Sonia Thompson is a headteacher and consultant whose work on race equity, inclusion, and school culture is trusted by many primary leaders seeking practical approaches to anti racist practice.

 

Margaret Mulholland

 

Margaret Mulholland is SEND and Inclusion Policy Specialist at ASCL. She is one of the clearest bridge figures between policy and school practice on SEND.

 

Simon Knight

 

Simon Knight is Joint Headteacher of Frank Wise School and a leading voice on SEND provision, inclusive leadership, and special school advocacy.

 

Jules White

 

Jules White is the founder of the WorthLess campaign and a former headteacher. His grassroots advocacy on school funding, workload, and inspection pressure has made him an important accountability voice for school leaders.

 

7. EdTech, AI, and Innovation

 

These thought leaders are at the intersection of technology and state school practice, helping schools navigate AI, digital strategy, and innovation.

 

Mark Anderson

 

Mark Anderson is an award winning author, consultant, and speaker on education technology. His background as a former assistant headteacher and his current role as Head of Education at NetSupport give him credibility in practical edtech implementation.

 

Al Kingsley MBE

 

Al Kingsley MBE is an edtech entrepreneur and school governor who is prominent at BETT and policy facing events. His work on digital infrastructure and education technology procurement helps schools make better technology decisions.

 

Amjad Ali

 

Amjad Ali is a trust CPD and inclusion leader and national speaker whose work spans inclusion, curriculum, AI, digital change, and teacher development. His rising visibility across leadership and edtech circles reflects the growing intersection of these areas.

 

Vic Goddard

 

Vic Goddard is CEO of Passmores Co-operative Learning Community. His profile from Educating Essex and his ongoing work on leadership, behaviour, and school culture make him a distinctive voice combining practical headship with public visibility.

 

Notable Practitioners and Rising Voices

 

Emma Turner is a school improvement adviser, education consultant, and author with nearly three decades of primary teaching and headship experience. She co hosts the Mind the Gap podcast with Tom Sherrington and specialises in research informed practice, early career development, and CPD design.

 

Clare Sealy is a former primary headteacher, author, and education consultant whose work on knowledge rich curriculum in primary schools has been widely influential.

 

Professor Sam Sims is a UCL researcher whose work on teacher recruitment, retention, and working conditions provides essential data for leaders managing workforce challenges.

 

Professor John Jerrim is at UCL Institute of Education, producing influential data led commentary on international comparisons, assessment, and educational inequality.

 

Sameena Choudry is founder of Equitable Education. Her work on race equity and organisational culture is gaining influence with trusts and school leaders.

 

Anita Devi is an education consultant and coach whose work on DEI, leadership development, and school culture makes her a visible presence on the conference and MAT advisory circuit.

 

Common Mistakes School Leaders Make When Choosing Thought Leaders

 

The first mistake is following charisma over evidence. The most engaging speaker is not always the most reliable guide. Look for thought leaders who cite research, acknowledge uncertainty, and distinguish between what works in their context and what might work in yours.

 

The second mistake is ignoring context relevance. A thought leader whose success story comes from a highly selective, affluent area may offer strategies that do not translate to a high deprivation, complex state school.

 

The third mistake is prioritising ideology over pragmatism. The traditional versus progressive debate generates heat but rarely light. The most useful thought leaders combine elements from both traditions and focus on what actually improves outcomes for students.

 

The fourth mistake is confusing social media visibility with professional credibility. A large following does not necessarily indicate depth of expertise.

 

The fifth mistake is relying on a single voice. No thought leader has all the answers. Build a diverse professional network that includes practising headteachers, researchers, policy voices, and wellbeing specialists.

 

How to Build Your Professional Network in 2026

 

Building a professional network of thought leaders does not require attending every conference or reading every book. Start with three practical steps.

 

First, follow five to seven thought leaders across different categories on LinkedIn or social media. Choose a mix of practitioners, researchers, and policy voices so your feed provides both inspiration and evidence.

 

Second, attend one major conference and one grassroots event each year. The Festival of Education, ASCL Annual Conference, or CST Annual Conference provide broad exposure. researchED events provide deep engagement with evidence informed practice.

 

Third, join one professional community. The Chartered College of Teaching, WomenEd, Diverse Educators, or BAMEed provide structured networks where you can learn from peers and thought leaders simultaneously.

 

Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator and trusted facilitator across Australia, the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, India, and Europe, delivers Working Genius sessions, DISC workshops, and StrengthsFinder facilitation for school leadership teams. Whether virtual or face to face, many organisations find that flying Jonno in costs less than engaging high profile local providers. Email jonno@consultclarity.org to start a conversation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between a public school and a state school in the UK?

 

In the UK, a public school refers to an elite independent or private school such as Eton, Harrow, or Winchester. A state school refers to a government funded school, including academies, maintained schools, free schools, and schools within multi academy trusts. This directory focuses exclusively on thought leaders shaping state school education.

 

Who are the most influential education thought leaders in the UK right now?

 

The most influential UK state school thought leaders in 2026 include Becky Francis at the EEF, Leora Cruddas at CST, Tom Sherrington, Mary Myatt, Tom Bennett, Pepe Di'Iasio at ASCL, Sir Martyn Oliver at Ofsted, and Alison Peacock at the Chartered College of Teaching.

 

How has Ofsted changed in 2025 and 2026?

 

Ofsted transitioned from single word headline judgements to a report card system from November 2025. Schools are now evaluated across multiple dimensions, with greater scrutiny on inclusion, SEND provision, and early identification of needs. A pilot programme using more serving school leaders as inspectors was announced in March 2026.

 

What was the Curriculum and Assessment Review 2025?

 

Led by Professor Becky Francis, the Curriculum and Assessment Review published its final report in November 2025. Key recommendations include a new core enrichment entitlement ensuring access to arts, sports, and nature, making citizenship compulsory in primary schools, and equal status for arts GCSEs alongside humanities.

 

Can I hire someone to help my school leadership team work better together?

 

Yes. Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator and bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out, delivers team facilitation sessions using Working Genius, DISC, and StrengthsFinder for school leadership teams globally. To discuss your team's needs, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

 

What are the best education conferences for UK school leaders in 2026?

 

The most important conferences include the ASCL Annual Conference, CST Annual Conference and CEO Summit, Festival of Education at Wellington College, researchED events, BETT UK for education technology, and Inspiring Leadership.

 

What are the biggest challenges facing UK state schools in 2026?

 

The major challenges include teacher recruitment and retention with vacancy rates at five per 1,000 teachers, rising SEND demand, the transition to Ofsted report cards, implementing the Curriculum and Assessment Review recommendations, integrating AI into school operations, and managing budgets under continued financial pressure.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The 50 thought leaders profiled in this directory represent the breadth and depth of thinking that is shaping UK state school education in 2026. From curriculum design to MAT governance, from teacher wellbeing to AI integration, these are the voices that headteachers, deputy heads, MAT CEOs, and governors should be listening to, learning from, and engaging with.

 

No single list can capture every important voice in a sector as large and complex as English state education. If there is someone you believe should be included, the conversation is open. The strongest professional networks are built through active engagement, not passive consumption.

 

Jonno White, bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out with over 10,000 copies sold globally and host of The Leadership Conversations Podcast reaching listeners in over 150 countries, works with school leadership teams to build trust, clarity, and alignment. Whether your school needs a keynote, a Working Genius workshop, or an executive team offsite, reach out to jonno@consultclarity.org to start a conversation.

 

About the Author

 

Jonno White is a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, bestselling author, and leadership consultant who has worked with schools, corporates, and nonprofits across the UK, India, Australia, Canada, Mongolia, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, USA, Finland, Namibia, and more. His book Step Up or Step Out has sold over 10,000 copies globally, and his podcast The Leadership Conversations has featured 230+ episodes reaching listeners in 150+ countries. Jonno founded The 7 Questions Movement with 6,000+ participating leaders and achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating for his Working Genius masterclass at the ASBA 2025 National Conference. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Jonno works globally and regularly travels for speaking and facilitation engagements. Organisations consistently find that international travel is far more affordable than expected.

 

To book Jonno for your next keynote, workshop, or facilitation session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

 

Next Read: 50 Essential US Public Education Leaders to Follow

 

Below you will find 50 thought leaders who are actively shaping the conversation around public education in the United States. These are not generic influencers or higher education academics. Every person on this list is either leading a public school district, running a school building, writing books that public school leaders actually use, influencing policy that affects your students, or building the technology and tools your teachers rely on daily.

 

The list is organised into six categories covering Superintendents and District Leaders, Principals and School Leaders, Authors and Researchers, Policy and Association Leaders, EdTech and Innovation Voices, and Keynote Speakers and Consultants.

 

 

 
 
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