The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) was a United Kingdom government department between 2001 and 2007. It was responsible for the education system and children's services in England. On 28 June 2007 the department was split in two by Gordon Brown's government. The Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills took over its responsibilities. In 2010, when the Conservative/Lib Dem Coalition Government took control, Michael Gove became Secretary of State for Education. His department is the Department for Education. DfES worked under the Secretary of State for Education and Skills. The main remit of the Department could be summed up as schools and adult learning - but there were also sections dealing with linked areas such as child welfare.
DfES civil servants worked in either one of four locations: London (Sanctuary Buildings or Caxton House, both close to Westminster Abbey), Sheffield (Moorfoot), Darlington (Mowden Hall), or Runcorn (Castle View House) - as well as in the regional Government Offices. Education is a devolved issue and therefore the responsibility of other government departments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland - Education and Lifelong Learning Directorate Wales - Department for Education, Lifelong Learning, and Skills (DELLS) Northern Ireland - Department of Education (Northern Ireland) and Department for Employment and Learning
