If you would like to apply for this position, please complete the Civil Service Jobs application form by clicking the "apply now" button at the top or bottom of this advert. Applications will be accepted until 23:55 29th July 2026.
Please be advised there are three stages to the recruitment process for this role, these are outlined below.
Stage 1 Application
At sift stage, you will be assessed on your Experience in line with the essential skills listed in the person specification section of the job advert.
To apply for this role, please provide:
1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
2. A Statement of Suitability up to 500 words detailing why we should consider you for this role (up to 400 words) with focus on the first essential criteria (around leadership) and why you have chosen the Department for Education (up to 100 words).
The CV and Statement of Suitability will be assessed against the essential criteria detailed in the advert. Failure to submit both CV and Personal Statement will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.
Should there be a high volume of applicants, candidates may be sifted on the first essential criteria.
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.
If you are unable to apply online, please contact [email protected] in the first instance. Please visit our career site for further information on the Civil Service application process.
Stage 2 - Staff Engagement Exercise
Take part in a virtual Staff Engagement Panel (which typically takes up to 1 hour to complete), to be held w/c 31 August 2026.
Stage 3 - Interview
The formal interview will be a 2-part process:
Part 1: Prepare and deliver a presentation to the panel. Please be prepared to answer follow up questions on the presentation. Presentation details will be provided to shortlisted candidates closer to the time of the interview.
Part 2: - The interview will last approximately 60 minutes. You will be asked questions on the essential criteria listed above to determine your level of experience in these areas. Questions will typically ask for a brief and broad overview of your experience relevant to a criteria (e.g. tell us your experience in leading a financial work programme) and/or a specific example (e.g. tell us about a time when you
.). We may also ask you some follow-up questions. We will also use Strengths using the Civil Service Strengths Dictionary.
Interviews are scheduled to take place on 7th and 8th of September 2026. Please not these dates are subject to change.
As part of the recruitment process, we may request references.
Please note that references and open-source due diligence checks (including into social media accounts) may be undertaken for all short-listed candidates.
Please note that, at the interview stage, we may ask whether you have any conflicts of interest to declare. The Department for Education does not cover the cost of travel to your interview or assessment unless otherwise stated.
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.
We receive many applications, and unfortunately were not able to provide feedback for candidates who arent shortlisted. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
For an accessible version of the candidate pack, please contact [email protected]
Important Information
Please note the following:
We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date.
Applications will be assessed solely on the documentation provided.
Please refer to the advert and checklist above to ensure you have provided everything requested.
We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a high volume or strong field of candidates.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe 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 [email protected] 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 6 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 applicants 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 [email protected] 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 youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
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.
