Press Secretary to the Secretary of State for Education
London, England, United Kingdom Internship Posted 5 hours ago
London (SW1P 3BT)
Job Summary
Our communications team is looking for a Press Secretary to the Secretary of State, with experience of working in a complex environment that is subject to significant public, political and media scrutiny. We are looking for an experienced communicator who will bring energy, experience and dynamism to the role with responsibility for the leading the media advice and delivery for the Education Secretary.
As Press Secretary, you will oversee all press activity for the Secretary of State, ensuring her priorities and agenda are understood by parents, pupils, teachers, the education sector and the wider public, through traditional and non-traditional media channels.
You will work closely with all parts of the communications team, including the social media team, to ensure the Secretary of State's priorities are reflected consistently across both traditional media and social channels, and that opportunities to amplify announcements, visits and stories across the two are identified and acted on quickly.
As part of the media senior leadership team, you will help deliver our communications strategy while being part of the senior leadership team for our high-performing media team.
This leadership role is one of the most senior positions in the communications division, working closely with a high-profile cabinet minister and influencing how policy is communicated in a prominent government department.
Job Description
The focus of this role is to provide strategic media advice to the Secretary of State for Education and oversee the media activity for her major announcements, visits and events.
As Press Secretary, you will oversee all media requests for the Secretary of State and be required to establish strong relationships with journalists, briefing them on major education policies to shape the news agenda.
You will work hand in hand with the social media team, ensuring the Secretary of State's key messages and priorities are reflected coherently across all channels, and that content and news moments are planned jointly rather than in isolation.
With this in mind, your ability to develop a close and constructive working relationship with the Secretary of State, special advisers, private office, and senior officials is vital, and you will be required to confidently shape and offer trusted media advice on a daily basis. You will be required to attend high-level meetings to help shape decision making, while being responsible for briefing the Secretary of State ahead of media appearances and interviews.
You will report into the Deputy Director, Head of Media Relations, who you will support in providing strategic direction for the wider team and work closely with the Deputy Head of News.
You will take part in the senior out-of-hours rota and there is an expectation for travel with the role.
The focus of this role is to provide strategic media advice to the Secretary of State for Education and oversee the media activity for her major announcements, visits and events.
As Press Secretary, you will oversee all media requests for the Secretary of State and be required to establish strong relationships with journalists, briefing them on major education policies to shape the news agenda.
You will work hand in hand with the social media team, ensuring the Secretary of State's key messages and priorities are reflected coherently across all channels, and that content and news moments are planned jointly rather than in isolation.
With this in mind, your ability to develop a close and constructive working relationship with the Secretary of State, special advisers, private office, and senior officials is vital, and you will be required to confidently shape and offer trusted media advice on a daily basis. You will be required to attend high-level meetings to help shape decision making, while being responsible for briefing the Secretary of State ahead of media appearances and interviews.
You will report into the Deputy Director, Head of Media Relations, who you will support in providing strategic direction for the wider team and work closely with the Deputy Head of News.
You will take part in the senior out-of-hours rota and there is an expectation for travel with the role.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.
As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.
You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.
We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.
Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.
As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
To apply for this role, please select 'Apply Now' at the top or bottom of this advert. CV details need to be included in the template within the application form; attached or emailed CVs will not be considered.
Stage 1: Written Application
At sift stage, you will be assessed on your Experience in line with the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job advert.
To Apply For This Role, Please Provide
The CV and Statement of Suitability will be assessed against the essential criteria detailed in the advert.
When looking at your experience, we’re looking for examples of things you have previously achieved or your knowledge in a particular field, which are relevant to the job role. We’re not looking at how much time you spent in a particular field, but rather how you performed. Sometimes experience can be transferable from a non-work context. Skills gained through voluntary work or a hobby, such as teamwork or communication, can demonstrate the experience required for the role.
The sift will be restricted to just assessing personal statements in the event of a large volume of applications.
If candidates require reasonable adjustments during the application process, please allow sufficient time (at least 5 working days prior to the closing date) to allow us to review and progress your application to the next stage of the process.
Please note that there is no candidate support available from Friday 5pm until Monday 9am.
Please note, CV details must be contained within the template on the application form. Any CV or Statement of Suitability that has been emailed to our team will not be considered.
Once you have submitted your application it cannot be amended; only submit your application when you have completely finished, answered all the relevant questions and reviewed the information entered.
Application sifting will take place 30 September 2026 onwards. Please note these dates are subject to change.
If you are successful at application sift stage, your application will be progressed onto Stage 2 part of the Selection process.
Stage 2: Presentation/Interview
The Interview Will Be a 2-part Process
Part 1: Candidates invited to interview will also need to prepare a short presentation. The presentation brief will be sent in advance of the interview. Please be prepared to answer any follow up questions.
Part 2: The interview will last approximately 1 hour. You will be asked questions on the Behaviours and Technical Skills listed above to determine your level of experience in these areas.
Behaviours are the actions and activities that people do which result in effective performance in a job. We want to get an understanding of the actions and activities that you have done (or would do) that result in effective performance.
Interviews will take place mid to end of October 2026. Please note these dates are subject to change. Interviews will be held in person at our London Hub, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Candidates successful at stage 2, will be invited to the next stage of the selection process.
Stage 3: Interview with Director of Communications and Secretary of State for Education.
The interview will last approximately 30 minutes. You will be asked questions on the Essential Criteria listed above to determine your level of experience in these areas.
Candidates will also be asked Strengths based questions.
Experience is the knowledge or mastery of an activity or subject by involvement in or exposure to it. When looking at your experience we are looking for/;
Strengths are a way for Hiring Managers to understand what motivates you and what you enjoy doing, which helps the panel to understand your areas of strength. Evidence shows that people do better work when a job aligns well with what they enjoy and find motivating. We don’t advertise which strengths we are going to assess you on as we want to be able to assess your first, natural response to the questions.
Interviews will be held towards the end of October beginning of November 2026. Please note these dates are subject to change. Interviews will be held in person at our London Hub, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We receive many applications, and unfortunately we’re not able to provide feedback for candidates who aren’t shortlisted. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
All communications will be electronic therefore it is vitally important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder.
Important Information
If you fail to complete the tests before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn. Guidance will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are untimed, administered via Civil Service Jobs, and applicant guidance is available during the test and online on GOV.UK Online Tests guidance.
Applicants must complete the test on their own, without help, and Departments reserve the right to retest applicants under supervised conditions at later stages of the selection process. Doing this can provide reassurance to recruiters who are concerned about the authenticity of one or more test results.
Please ensure you allow yourself sufficient time to complete both assessments and submit your application before the advertised deadline.
Reasonable Adjustments & Test Accessibility
See our reasonable adjustments guide for candidates (online tests), or some example case studies, to act as a guide. You can use these to help you decide whether to ask for help or take the test without help.
More information about online tests can be found here: Preparing for the Civil Service Verbal and Numerical tests - GOV.UK. You will also find practice tests on this page if you would find them helpful prior to completing the live test.
Other Information
In your application, please don’t include personal information that identifies you.
This means we can recruit based on your knowledge and skills, and not background, gender or ethnicity - it's called name blind recruitment (opens in a new window).
Please ensure that you remove from your application, all references to your:
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.
The government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, enabling people to learn and progress in a role whilst earning. We want to monitor the number of people who have completed apprenticeships who are now applying to progress further in their career and are asking this question to all candidates, on all vacancies. You will be asked a question as part of the application process about any previous apprenticeships you have completed. Your response to this question will not affect your application and it is not a requirement of the role to have completed a previous apprenticeship.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs
Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.
Reasonable adjustment
If a Person With Disabilities Is Put At a Substantial Disadvantage Compared To a Non-disabled Person, We Have a Duty To Make Reasonable Changes To Our Processes. If You Need a Change To Be Made So That You Can Make Your Application, You Should
Contact Department of Education via centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Please refer to the attached ‘Reasonable Adjustments Guide 05_2025 – accessible version’ at the bottom of the advert, for further information.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
The Department for Education’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly with the department concerned via CentralRecruitment.Operations@education.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages
Job Summary
Our communications team is looking for a Press Secretary to the Secretary of State, with experience of working in a complex environment that is subject to significant public, political and media scrutiny. We are looking for an experienced communicator who will bring energy, experience and dynamism to the role with responsibility for the leading the media advice and delivery for the Education Secretary.
As Press Secretary, you will oversee all press activity for the Secretary of State, ensuring her priorities and agenda are understood by parents, pupils, teachers, the education sector and the wider public, through traditional and non-traditional media channels.
You will work closely with all parts of the communications team, including the social media team, to ensure the Secretary of State's priorities are reflected consistently across both traditional media and social channels, and that opportunities to amplify announcements, visits and stories across the two are identified and acted on quickly.
As part of the media senior leadership team, you will help deliver our communications strategy while being part of the senior leadership team for our high-performing media team.
This leadership role is one of the most senior positions in the communications division, working closely with a high-profile cabinet minister and influencing how policy is communicated in a prominent government department.
Job Description
The focus of this role is to provide strategic media advice to the Secretary of State for Education and oversee the media activity for her major announcements, visits and events.
As Press Secretary, you will oversee all media requests for the Secretary of State and be required to establish strong relationships with journalists, briefing them on major education policies to shape the news agenda.
You will work hand in hand with the social media team, ensuring the Secretary of State's key messages and priorities are reflected coherently across all channels, and that content and news moments are planned jointly rather than in isolation.
With this in mind, your ability to develop a close and constructive working relationship with the Secretary of State, special advisers, private office, and senior officials is vital, and you will be required to confidently shape and offer trusted media advice on a daily basis. You will be required to attend high-level meetings to help shape decision making, while being responsible for briefing the Secretary of State ahead of media appearances and interviews.
You will report into the Deputy Director, Head of Media Relations, who you will support in providing strategic direction for the wider team and work closely with the Deputy Head of News.
You will take part in the senior out-of-hours rota and there is an expectation for travel with the role.
The focus of this role is to provide strategic media advice to the Secretary of State for Education and oversee the media activity for her major announcements, visits and events.
As Press Secretary, you will oversee all media requests for the Secretary of State and be required to establish strong relationships with journalists, briefing them on major education policies to shape the news agenda.
You will work hand in hand with the social media team, ensuring the Secretary of State's key messages and priorities are reflected coherently across all channels, and that content and news moments are planned jointly rather than in isolation.
With this in mind, your ability to develop a close and constructive working relationship with the Secretary of State, special advisers, private office, and senior officials is vital, and you will be required to confidently shape and offer trusted media advice on a daily basis. You will be required to attend high-level meetings to help shape decision making, while being responsible for briefing the Secretary of State ahead of media appearances and interviews.
You will report into the Deputy Director, Head of Media Relations, who you will support in providing strategic direction for the wider team and work closely with the Deputy Head of News.
You will take part in the senior out-of-hours rota and there is an expectation for travel with the role.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Media related experience, bringing the ability to quickly identify issues that will be of interest, and an appreciation of the rapid pace at which stories move in a 24/7 communications environment.
- A track record of building effective relationships and contacts and confidently briefing at all levels to ensure accurate and informed reporting.
- Experience of working closely with social media or digital teams, with an understanding of how stories and messages can be developed and amplified consistently across both traditional and social channels.
- Experience of working on high profile complex issues and gaining the confidence of and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Highly developed written and oral communications skills.
- Ability to rapidly brief on complex issues, presenting in a clear and concise manner and identifying key messages.
- Ability to confidently lead, inspire and empower teams and to build team capability.
- The ability to film and produce simple phone led content for social media.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- GCS Communication - Ideas
- GCS Communication - Impact
Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.
As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.
You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.
We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.
Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.
As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
To apply for this role, please select 'Apply Now' at the top or bottom of this advert. CV details need to be included in the template within the application form; attached or emailed CVs will not be considered.
Stage 1: Written Application
At sift stage, you will be assessed on your Experience in line with the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job advert.
To Apply For This Role, Please Provide
- A Short CV setting out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role.
- Your Statement of Suitability – In no more than 750 words, provide examples of how your personal skills, qualities and experience meet the essential criteria. This is not intended to be a cover letter, instead work through each essential criteria in turn. You may wish to follow the STAR technique to help focus your examples. The key things we are looking for are what you did, how you did it and what the outcome was.
The CV and Statement of Suitability will be assessed against the essential criteria detailed in the advert.
When looking at your experience, we’re looking for examples of things you have previously achieved or your knowledge in a particular field, which are relevant to the job role. We’re not looking at how much time you spent in a particular field, but rather how you performed. Sometimes experience can be transferable from a non-work context. Skills gained through voluntary work or a hobby, such as teamwork or communication, can demonstrate the experience required for the role.
The sift will be restricted to just assessing personal statements in the event of a large volume of applications.
If candidates require reasonable adjustments during the application process, please allow sufficient time (at least 5 working days prior to the closing date) to allow us to review and progress your application to the next stage of the process.
Please note that there is no candidate support available from Friday 5pm until Monday 9am.
Please note, CV details must be contained within the template on the application form. Any CV or Statement of Suitability that has been emailed to our team will not be considered.
Once you have submitted your application it cannot be amended; only submit your application when you have completely finished, answered all the relevant questions and reviewed the information entered.
Application sifting will take place 30 September 2026 onwards. Please note these dates are subject to change.
If you are successful at application sift stage, your application will be progressed onto Stage 2 part of the Selection process.
Stage 2: Presentation/Interview
The Interview Will Be a 2-part Process
Part 1: Candidates invited to interview will also need to prepare a short presentation. The presentation brief will be sent in advance of the interview. Please be prepared to answer any follow up questions.
Part 2: The interview will last approximately 1 hour. You will be asked questions on the Behaviours and Technical Skills listed above to determine your level of experience in these areas.
Behaviours are the actions and activities that people do which result in effective performance in a job. We want to get an understanding of the actions and activities that you have done (or would do) that result in effective performance.
Interviews will take place mid to end of October 2026. Please note these dates are subject to change. Interviews will be held in person at our London Hub, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Candidates successful at stage 2, will be invited to the next stage of the selection process.
Stage 3: Interview with Director of Communications and Secretary of State for Education.
The interview will last approximately 30 minutes. You will be asked questions on the Essential Criteria listed above to determine your level of experience in these areas.
Candidates will also be asked Strengths based questions.
Experience is the knowledge or mastery of an activity or subject by involvement in or exposure to it. When looking at your experience we are looking for/;
- Previous examples of what you have achieved.
- Your knowledge in a particular field which is relevant to the job role.
- How you performed in a particular field – not how long you served
Strengths are a way for Hiring Managers to understand what motivates you and what you enjoy doing, which helps the panel to understand your areas of strength. Evidence shows that people do better work when a job aligns well with what they enjoy and find motivating. We don’t advertise which strengths we are going to assess you on as we want to be able to assess your first, natural response to the questions.
Interviews will be held towards the end of October beginning of November 2026. Please note these dates are subject to change. Interviews will be held in person at our London Hub, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We receive many applications, and unfortunately we’re not able to provide feedback for candidates who aren’t shortlisted. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
All communications will be electronic therefore it is vitally important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder.
Important Information
If you fail to complete the tests before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn. Guidance will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are untimed, administered via Civil Service Jobs, and applicant guidance is available during the test and online on GOV.UK Online Tests guidance.
Applicants must complete the test on their own, without help, and Departments reserve the right to retest applicants under supervised conditions at later stages of the selection process. Doing this can provide reassurance to recruiters who are concerned about the authenticity of one or more test results.
Please ensure you allow yourself sufficient time to complete both assessments and submit your application before the advertised deadline.
Reasonable Adjustments & Test Accessibility
See our reasonable adjustments guide for candidates (online tests), or some example case studies, to act as a guide. You can use these to help you decide whether to ask for help or take the test without help.
More information about online tests can be found here: Preparing for the Civil Service Verbal and Numerical tests - GOV.UK. You will also find practice tests on this page if you would find them helpful prior to completing the live test.
Other Information
In your application, please don’t include personal information that identifies you.
This means we can recruit based on your knowledge and skills, and not background, gender or ethnicity - it's called name blind recruitment (opens in a new window).
Please ensure that you remove from your application, all references to your:
- name/title
- educational institutions
- age
- gender
- email address
- postal address
- phone number
- nationality/immigration status
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.
The government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, enabling people to learn and progress in a role whilst earning. We want to monitor the number of people who have completed apprenticeships who are now applying to progress further in their career and are asking this question to all candidates, on all vacancies. You will be asked a question as part of the application process about any previous apprenticeships you have completed. Your response to this question will not affect your application and it is not a requirement of the role to have completed a previous apprenticeship.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs
Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.
Reasonable adjustment
If a Person With Disabilities Is Put At a Substantial Disadvantage Compared To a Non-disabled Person, We Have a Duty To Make Reasonable Changes To Our Processes. If You Need a Change To Be Made So That You Can Make Your Application, You Should
Contact Department of Education via centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Please refer to the attached ‘Reasonable Adjustments Guide 05_2025 – accessible version’ at the bottom of the advert, for further information.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
- Name : Andrew Darby
- Email : Communications.DST@education.gov.uk
- Email : Centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk
The Department for Education’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly with the department concerned via CentralRecruitment.Operations@education.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages
