About Us
The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England. The department is also home to the Government Equalities Office. We work to provide children’s services and education that ensure opportunity is equal for all, no matter what their background or family circumstances.
DfE is a ministerial department, supported by 18 agencies and public bodies.
Responsibilities
We are responsible for:
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teaching and learning for children in the early years and in primary schools
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teaching and learning for young people under the age of 19 years in secondary schools and in further education
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supporting professionals who work with children and young people
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helping disadvantaged children and young people to achieve more
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making sure that local services protect and support children
Priorities
The Department’s vision is to ‘provide world-class education and care that allows every child and young person to reach his or her potential regardless of background.’ To achieve this vision the department has three core objectives:
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Safety and wellbeing: all children and young people are protected from harm and vulnerable children are supported to succeed with opportunities as good as those for any other child.
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Educational excellence: everywhere: every child and young person can access high-quality provision, achieving to the best of his or her ability regardless of location, attainment and background.
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Prepared for adult life: all 19-year-olds complete school or college with the skills and character to contribute to the UK’s society and economy and are able to access high- quality work or study options.
Further information about the Department can be found at: www.education.gov.uk
The Department’s Single Departmental Plan can be accessed via the following link:
Further information about the Department can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education
