Ghulam Abbas, BEng (Hons), National School of Government

Education Associate

With over 15 years’ experience working in Education covering both the private and public sectors, Ghulam has a unique and unrivalled set of skills, experiences, expertise and links.  Having set up some 30 Free Schools and delivered over a dozen academy conversion across the country, there are very few who can match these achievements.

Renowned for his excellent proactive customer service, creative problem solving and going the extra mile. Ghulam is the Founder and Managing Director of GA Advisory Services Limited and has the responsibility for the day to day management and development of the company and its activities.

Previously he was the Academies and Free Schools Director at Mouchel Business Services (MBS) for 3 years, where he helped to grow, strengthen and develop its business and service offerings to Academies, Free Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts.  This included delivering high-quality Project Management and Advisory services to Free Schools and Academies.

Prior to that Ghulam was a former Assistant Director at the Department for Education (DfE). He has over 13 years’ experience working with Ministers to develop and deliver a range of policies and programmes to improve pupil outcomes. As the lead on policy for site and buildings for Free Schools he was instrumental in driving down capital costs. Ghulam also has experience transforming programmes like the National Strategies to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.