DfE’s Chief Scientific Adviser Leaves to Work with Gove

3rd October 2017

It has been announced this week that Tim Leunig, Chief Science Adviser for the DfE, is leaving the department to work for Michael Gove’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Leunig, a professor of economic history at the London School of Economics, had worked on the now-abandoned proposals to open new grammar schools and the changes to GCSE grading through the Progress 8 reforms.

In a message to colleagues, including SCHOOLS NorthEast, he said: “It has been a pleasure to work with you over the last five years.”

The former Chief Science Adviser joined the DfE during the coalition and was tasked with advising Ministers and senior officials. He also ensured that the DfE’s policies and decisions were informed ‘by the best scientific evidence’.

Tim Leunig is also an adviser for the Department for Communities and Local Government on issues such as housing supply. It was confirmed that he will continue in these roles when he takes up his new position at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

He will be leaving his role as Chief Scientific Adviser on Friday 29th September.

SCHOOLS NorthEast would like to thank Mr Leunig for his support during his time at the DfE, and wish him well in his new role.