Simon Ridley Appointed as new Department for Education Permanent Secretary

The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has appointed Simon Ridley as the new Permanent Secretary, Department for Education (DfE), succeeding Susan Acland-Hood who is taking up a new role outside government.

Simon is currently the Second Permanent Secretary at the Home Office. He has previously been the acting Permanent Secretary at the Home Office on two occasions, and head of the Cabinet Office COVID-19 Taskforce.

Secretary of State for Education, Lucy Powell, said:

I want to thank Susan Acland-Hood for her leadership of the department.

Susan has been an exceptional Permanent Secretary and public servant - helping children and families recover from the pandemic, expanding childcare provision, strengthening the skills system and so much more.

This government is determined to make sure that every child, whatever their background, can achieve and succeed. I look forward to working with Simon, who brings a breadth of experience and track record of delivery, to drive forward this work.

Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, said:

I am delighted to announce Simon’s appointment as Permanent Secretary for DfE. Simon has an impressive track record at the Home Office, the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and HM Treasury. The breadth of his experience and leadership make him very well placed to lead the DfE and its crucial agenda. 

I would like to thank Susan Acland-Hood for her excellent leadership of the department since 2020, for her strong leadership of the Policy Profession across the whole Civil Service, and for 27 years of impressive public service. Susan has been instrumental in leading and strengthening England’s education system, and made a very significant contribution to the Civil Service in her six years as a Permanent Secretary. I wish her well in her new role.

Permanent Secretary, Susan Acland-Hood, said: