Oli de Botton has been named as the prime minister’s expert adviser on education and skills.
The co-founder and former headteacher of School 21 and chief executive of the Careers and Enterprise Company has been announced in the new role by Downing Street today.
In a statement, it said: “The prime minister’s expert adviser will advise ministers and drive forward the government’s vision for education and skills.
“Oli brings with him extensive experience working in education and skills as a teacher, adviser, headteacher and national CEO.”
Who is Oli de Botton?
Mr de Botton has been a high-profile advocate for the importance of oracy in education and was a co-founder of Voice 21, a national charity that supports schools to build speaking and listening into the curriculum.
He previously worked as the head of education strategy for the Education Development Trust and was also policy adviser to David Miliband in the last Labour government.
He will start in the new role on 22 April.
Mr de Botton said: “It has been an incredible privilege to be part of the Careers and Enterprise Company’s work, collaborating with partners across the country to build and sustain a careers system that helps more young people, particularly those who face barriers.
“In this shared endeavour, we can see progress, but there remains lots more to do.
“I will continue my work in public service anchored in education and skills and will always champion the importance of helping every young person find their best next step.”
Interim CEO of CEC appointed
John Yarham, deputy CEO of the Careers and Enterprise Company, will become its interim CEO.
He said: “Oli de Botton’s leadership has enabled CEC to be at the forefront of a national effort to ensure young people in schools and colleges receive high-quality careers support.
“A lot of progress has been made in recent years, but there remains a lot more to do. I am delighted to take on the role as interim CEO and will be focused on our important next steps.
“And we will be determined and ambitious, as the government’s partner, to help deliver the manifesto commitment of two weeks’ worth of high-quality work experience for every young person to connect with industry and to unlock the skills they will need for their future.”
