Starmer names Oli de Botton as expert adviser on education

The PM’s office has announced that Keir Starmer has appointed Oli de Botton as its “expert adviser” on education and skills, effective from Tuesday 22 April. 

Following his appointment, de Botton will step down from his chief executive position of the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC). 

His deputy at the CEC, John Yarham, will replace de Botton in an interim capacity and will “take charge of the organisation’s next phase of work to help deliver the government’s manifesto commitment of two weeks’ worth of high-quality work experience for every young person”.

De Botton, a member of the first Teach First cohort in 2003, was curriculum lead and later head of School 21, a renowned progressive free school. He also helped establish Voice 21, a sister charity that promotes oracy.

In his new role, de Botton will be responsible for advising ministers and driving forward the government’s vision for education and skills. 

Oli 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.”

Baroness Nicola Morgan, chair of the CEC, added: “Under his leadership, we have been able to galvanise powerful collaboration between education, business and key local partners to deliver a dynamic careers system across England.

“It means schools, colleges, employers and careers providers can work together in a more coordinated and structured way to offer excellent careers support for all young people.”