Simon Ridley was appointed permanent secretary at the Department for Education, succeeding Susan Acland-Hood, who was leaving for a role outside government, the Cabinet Office said in a 21 October 2026 announcement. The appointment, made by the Cabinet Secretary with the Prime Minister's approval, followed a managed move process also approved by the Prime Minister and the Education Secretary in consultation with the First Civil Service Commissioner.

Ridley was second permanent secretary at the Home Office and had twice served as its acting permanent secretary. He also previously headed the Cabinet Office COVID-19 Taskforce, and the Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, cited his experience across the Home Office, Cabinet Office, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and HM Treasury. Education Secretary Lucy Powell welcomed his appointment. The announcement said Ridley would start in November, a date that has since passed.

Romeo thanked Acland-Hood for leading the department since 2020 and for 27 years of public service, including six years as a permanent secretary. Acland-Hood said leading the department had been a privilege and thanked staff across education and children's social care. Ridley said he was looking forward to working with department staff and leaders nationwide.