Michelle Donelan

It follows Nadhim Zahawi's departure from the post as he becomes chancellor. Ms Donelan, 38, has spent the past two years occupied with universities and ...

This will also be the first year of awards for teenagers studying T-levels, the government's flagship technical qualifications. Ms Donelan will also have to see through Parliament the passage of the Higher Education Bill, which will require universities and student unions to protect freedom of speech on campuses. Ms Donelan went to state school in Cheshire and was the first in her family to go to university, studying at the University of York. Ms Donelan will have to oversee the successful introduction of more of these courses in the new academic year. Ms Donelan will also oversee the channelling of all cash for catch-up tutoring directly to schools for the first time, after the government axed its contract with tutoring supplier Randstad. Perhaps the biggest issue Ms Donelan will have to contend with is the impact of two years of disruption on schoolchildren.

The Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan has been confirmed as the new Education Secretary following a move by Nadhim Zahawi to Number 11 Downing Street…

Like her predecessor, she has had an inspiring journey into politics, the first in her family to attend university. Most of these related to increased levels of centralised control over academies and had been fiercely contested in the Lords. In a year when the competition for university places has never been more fierce, the disappointment of youngsters who have also lost out heavily in the pandemic could be tricky to smooth over.

Backbencher Lucy Allan MP was not happy to see Nadhim Zahawi removed from his role as education secretary.

Start your Independent Premium subscription today. By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.