Politics

Damian Hinds returns to DfE as schools minister

Appointment follows resignation of schools minister Nick Gibb

Appointment follows resignation of schools minister Nick Gibb

Former education secretary Damian Hinds has returned to the Department for Education as a minister of state, Downing Street has announced.

Schools Week understands he is replacing schools minister Nick Gibb, who resigned this week to pursue a job in the diplomatic service.

Hinds is the sixth person to hold the role in 18 months.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan said she was “delighted” to welcome Hinds back to the DfE as schools minister.

“He is a hugely experienced and capable minister who I know will continue to build on Nick Gibb’s fantastic record of driving up standards.”

Hinds said he was “so pleased to be joining Gillian Keegan’s team”.

“I’m looking forward to working with the inspiring teachers and leaders in our schools, and all at [the DfE].”

He added Keegan was “quite right about the record of the incomparable Nick Gibb”.

Hinds led the DfE between January 2018 and July 2019, during which time the government completed its reforms to relationships, sex and health education. His new role means he is likely to preside over the current review of those reforms.

On his watch, coasting and floor standards for schools were scrapped, and efforts to hold academy trusts to account were stepped up.

But a new coasting schools measure was introduced last year, which sees greater intervention in schools rated less than ‘good’ at two inspections in a row.

Sixth schools minister in 18 months

Speaking to Schools Week after his departure, Hinds spoke of the fact there was “still an awful lot of work to do” on social mobility, and called for greater understanding of the role of education technology.

“Also character and resilience, which I think is such a fundamental part of social mobility and general preparation for life. I would’ve liked to have been able to develop our approach there further.”

Hinds returned to the government front bench in 2021 as minister of state for security and borders, and had served as minister for prisons, parole and probation since October last year.

During last year’s first Conservative leadership election, Hinds co-authored a Times article with Gibb backing Rishi Sunak, titled ‘We trust Rishi Sunak to deliver for our children’s futures.

Sunak lost that leadership race, but became prime minister later in the year after Liz Truss resigned after 49 days in office.

Latest education roles from

Group Head of School Creative Media

Group Head of School Creative Media

Capital City College Group

Independent Non- Executive Director (INED)

Independent Non- Executive Director (INED)

League Football Education

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Wigston Academies Trust

Initial Teacher Training Programme Lead

Initial Teacher Training Programme Lead

Scarborough Sixth Form College

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Retire Early, Live Fully: What Teachers Need to Consider First

Specialist Financial Adviser, William Adams, from Wesleyan Financial Services discusses what teachers should be considering when it comes to...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

AI Safety: From DfE Guidance to Classroom Confidence

Darren Coxon, edtech consultant and AI education specialist, working with The National College, explores the DfE’s expectations for AI...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

How accurate spend information is helping schools identify savings

One the biggest issues schools face when it comes to saving money on everyday purchases is a lack of...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Building Character, Increasing Engagement and Growing Leaders: A Whole School Approach

Research increasingly shows that character education is just as important as academic achievement in shaping pupils’ long-term success. Studies...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

Politics

Kids’ school dinner protest leaves a bad taste

NEU stunt involving primary pupils handing out leaflets on free school meals draws criticism

Ruth Lucas
Politics

Reform-run Kent council plans £2m school budget raid

Leaders say proposals fly in face of pre-election pledges to identify efficiencies and savings from Musk-style DOGE unit

Jack Dyson
Politics

Labour conference 2025: Bridget Phillipson’s full speech

The education secretary addressed the party's annual conference in Liverpool

Freddie Whittaker
Politics

Labour-linked education group backs Lucy Powell for deputy leader

Backing for rival from Socialist Educational Association is a blow to education secretary Bridget Phillipson

Freddie Whittaker

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *