Ashfaq was previously vice CEO of the Nova Education Trust with particular responsibility for Toot Hill School, Newark Academy, The Suthers School, The Garibaldi School, Meden School and Melton Vale Sixth Form College. Ash was also a lead Ofsted inspector before becoming the CEO of Nova Education Trust, is a National Leader of Education and worked closely with DfE officials in implementing the national strategy around teacher recruitment and retention. Ash is currently vice chair of The Priestley Academy Trust (a primary school trust) and the chair of the school improvement committee.