John began his new role on Monday 26 July, following ESFA's former Chief Executive Eileen Milner departing to take up the role of Chief Executive at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Commenting on John's appointment, the Permanent Secretary, Susan Acland-Hood, said:
I am delighted that John, who is currently the ESFA's Director of Funding, has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive.
John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role from his time in the ESFA; as a Regional Schools Commissioner, and before that, in senior leadership positions across a number of educational settings.
John is a thoughtful and authentic leader and will be an outstanding interim CEO, and member of the DfE's Leadership Team. I know he will do a remarkable job in leading the excellent staff of the ESFA, and in shaping the future of the Department as a whole.
John Edwards commented:
I am delighted and privileged to be appointed as Interim CEO of the ESFA, and am very much looking forward to leading the Agency through the coming months.
