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The Department for Education has appointed a “school leader advisor” to bring “frontline expertise” to policymaking, it announced today. 

Andrew O’Neill, headteacher at All Saints Catholic College in London, will take a 12-month secondment to fulfil the role and will start on 4 June. 

Specifics of the DfE leader advisor role

Mr O’Neill was given the role following what the DfE described as an “open” recruitment process. The states the salary as £125,000 and lists responsibilities as:

• Helping develop strategies to “promote high and rising standards” and create a “self-improving sector”.
• Providing insights into effective engagement with those in schools.
• Identifying key challenges schools face and help identify solutions.
• Facilitating the dissemination of good practice.

The closing date for applications was the end of April. 

‘Vital insights’

A DfE spokesperson said: “Exceptional school leaders drive high and rising education standards and Andrew’s expertise will bring vital sector insights at a crucial time.”

Mr O’Neill was appointed headteacher at All Saints Catholic College in 2016 and won a Pearson National Teaching Award for his work to turn around the school’s performance.

He is a member of the Headteachers’ Roundtable and has been a vocal supporter of the education secretary Bridget Phillipson and her team.