The Department for Education’s top civil servant will be replaced next month after six years in post. Susan Acland-Hood has worked alongside eight education secretaries since she became DfE’s permanent secretary in 2020. The Cabinet Office has announced Simon Ridley will become the new permanent secretary in November. Ridley is currently the second permanent secretary at the Home Office, and has previously been the acting permanent secretary at the Home Office, and head of the Cabinet Office Covid-19 Taskforce. His appointment follows a “managed move” approved by the prime minister and education secretary. Acland-Hood is leaving the civil service for a role outside government. Acland-Hood ‘exceptional’ A former chief executive of the Courts and Tribunals Service, Acland-Hood was seconded to the DfE in early 2020 as interim second permanent secretary to help with the Covid-19 response. She then took over the role full-time in September 2020, taking over from Jonathan Slater. Slater stepped down amid the fallout of the government’s handling of the exam grading controversy during the pandemic. Education secretary Lucy Powell said Acland-Hood has been an “exceptional” in her role “helping children and families recover from the pandemic, expanding childcare provision, strengthening the skills system and so much more.” Powell said: “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.” ‘Immensely proud’ Acland-Hood said it had been a “privilege” to lead the DfE and was “immensely proud of the work we have done to take our system ever closer to being the best in the world”. “My colleagues in the Department are remarkable, and I know how brilliantly they will carry on this work of restless improvement, change and growth across education and children’s social care under Simon’s excellent leadership, as I move to my new role,” Acland-Hood said. Ridley said: “I am thrilled to be appointed permanent secretary at the Department for Education. There is nothing more important than making sure every child and young person has the best start in life and every opportunity to succeed. “I am looking forward to working with all the brilliant people in the department, and leaders and practitioners throughout the country, to deliver the secretary of state’s ambitious agenda.”