Welcome to About the Department
The Department for Education was formed on 12 May 2010 and is responsible for education and children's services.
All statutory guidance and legislation linked to from this site continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated otherwise, but may not reflect Government policy. Read more.
In the news
Radical new approach to defuse 'ticking time bomb' of NEETs
Nick Clegg unveils a new scheme to get 16- and 17-year-olds earning or learning again.
Press notice 21 February 2012
Free School groups set to apply for 2013
Groups that want to open mainstream, special and alternative provision Free Schools in September 2013 can submit their detailed plans to the Department from today.
Press notice 13 February 2012
New guidelines to help industry promote internet safety
The UK Council for Child Internet Safety launches new guidelines for organisations and Internet Service Providers to make sure parents and children get quality and consistent messages about internet safety.
Press notice 07 February 2012
New national reading competition
Schools Minister Nick Gibb announces a new reading competition designed to inspire children to become voracious readers and boost literacy standards.
Press notice 07 February 2012
