What is the Department for Education Responsible for?

The primary aim of the Department for Education is to ensure equal opportunities for children, regardless of their background or family circumstances.

The department oversees the teaching and learning of children in early years centres, primary schools, and young people under the age of 19 in secondary education, sixth form centres, and colleges.

It supports professionals working with children and young people and assists those facing disadvantages to achieve more.

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Ensuring local services protect and support children is also a responsibility of the Department for Education.

Policy for education, youth, and children is devolved in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to their respective governments.

Department for Education Personnel

Similar to other ministerial departments like the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Department for Transport, Ministry of Defence, and the Home Office, the Department for Education primarily operates from ministerial offices in London.

While it has staff in various locations nationwide, most of its business is conducted from the capital.

The department employs nearly 4,000 people under the auspices of the Secretary of State for Education, including three Ministers of State with responsibilities for areas such as school standards, apprenticeships, and higher education.

Staff collaborate closely with agencies at national and local levels that look after children, liaising with local authorities and professionals in schools, children's services, and health services.

Department for Education Priorities

One of its key priorities is to safeguard children and young people from harm.

The Department for Education also prioritizes preparing young people for adult life by providing access to further and higher education to enhance job opportunities.

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Is Ofsted Part of the Department for Education?

Ofsted, responsible for inspecting schools and childcare centres, is one of the 17 agencies and public bodies supporting the Department for Education.

Ofsted, or the Office for Standards in Education, is a non-ministerial department within the government. Learn more about Ofsted in our Office for Standards in Education article.

You may also be familiar with Ofqual, regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments, also a non-ministerial body supporting the Department for Education.

Three crucial executive agencies allied to the Department for Education are the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the National College for Teaching and Leadership, and the Standards and Testing Agency.

Becoming a School Teacher

The Department for Education is an excellent resource for those considering a teaching career. It offers advice on training options, funding assistance, eligibility criteria, and expected earnings for prospective teachers.

The department's website provides insight into the teaching profession, detailing career progression, emotional and professional rewards of teaching in school classrooms.

Now that you understand the purpose and responsibilities of the Department for Education, explore more in our EQ Knowledge Bank. We cover all aspects of schooling, answering the questions parents commonly ask. Additionally, find advice on parenting to keep your child happy, confident, and safe.

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