Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe 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. He had 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. Her departure comes at a time of major policy reform in the department, including SEND, curriculum and assessment and wider white paper changes. 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 left 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.” Her new role will be announced at a later date, following the business appointments process. Reflecting on her 27 years in the civil service, Acland-Hood added: “Being a civil servant has been a deep part of my identity and values. It will shape me forever, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of public service.” Ridley was “thrilled” at his appointment, adding: “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.”
Barrie Hunt 22 October 2026 Is the “managed move” a civil service euphemism for being shown the exit? To those of us who had glimpses of the Curriculum and Assessment Review, it was clear that the DfE acted as a powerful brake on the process. What began as “evolution not revolution” became “minimal change” and the outcome was so anaemic that that Phillipson had to overrule them to publish deeper structural reforms. Is the new broom sweeping clean?