Dame Christine Gilbert named as new EEF chair

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has appointed Dame Christine Gilbert to succeed Sir Peter Lampl as its next Chair.

Dame Christine, who has served as a Trustee of the EEF since January 2023, will step up to her new leadership role at the beginning of 2024. She will succeed Sir Peter Lampl, who was primarily responsible for the founding of the EEF in 2011 which was funded by his own and government money. Under Sir Peter’s leadership, the EEF has transformed the use of education research in schools and in policymaking, with a focus on improving outcomes for socio-economically disadvantaged children and young people.

Dame Christine brings significant experience and knowledge of the English education system to the role. Formerly Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Ofsted, Christine is involved in a number of education initiatives including serving as Chair of Camden Learning, a school-led partnership that brings teachers, headteachers and other education professionals together to improve practice and drive improvement. She is also the joint chair of the Area-based Education Partnership Association (AEPA). Christine has been a visiting Professor at UCL Institute of Education for over 10 years. Sir Peter will continue his long-standing association with the EEF as Emeritus Chair.

Sir Peter Lampl, outgoing Chair of the EEF, said: "I’m extremely proud to have guided the EEF to become such an amazing organisation since I led the successful bid for £125m of government funding to set up the foundation in 2011. The EEF has set new standards for educational research and provided an invaluable resource for a wide range of teachers, school leaders and policy makers. Its recent re-endowment reflects the strong value and recognition of its work across the sector.

"I am delighted that Dame Christine will be succeeding me when my term comes to an end next year. I look forward to continuing my association with the EEF through my emeritus chair role."

Dame Christine Gilbert, incoming Chair of the EEF, said: "I’ve seen first-hand the power that great teaching can have on improving outcomes for all young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The EEF plays such an important role in this by supporting schools, early years settings, and colleges to make best use of evidence.

"Over the past decade, the EEF has become a much-respected part of the English education landscape. I’ve got to know their work in great depth during my time as Trustee, during which time I’ve been grateful for Sir Peter’s leadership. I’m looking forward to beginning my new role as Chair and supporting Professor Francis and her team to drive forward the work of the EEF and its mission."