Dr Kate Chhatwal OBE

Dr Kate Chhatwal OBE has been the permanent CEO of Challenge Partners since February 2018 and is currently away from this role on a planned sabbatical until January 2027. She will continue to be a trustee ex officio throughout the sabbatical period. 

Kate began her career in DfE, leading flagship curriculum, qualifications and school improvement policies. Since 2013 she has held senior education charity and public sector leadership roles, including Executive Director of Southwark Teaching School Alliance and Chief Programme Officer at The Future Leaders Trust.

Kate serves as Non Executive Director for Olex.AI; Member for The Charter Schools Educational Trust; and independent member of parkrun's Global Governance and Risk Committee. 

From 2022 to 2025, Kate served as DfE-appointed Independent Chair of Liverpool Priority Area Board. In 2023 she stepped down after 8 years as trustee and founding Chair of Education at STEP Academy Trust, and a total of 15 years in school and trust governance.

Kate holds a PhD in education policy, and was awarded an OBE for services to education in 2020.