Department for Education
The Department for Education helpline provides assistance with various education-related queries in England. You can inquire about education policy, schools, childcare, and teacher training. The service is available Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:00. Common reasons for calling include submitting complaints about schools or services, making Freedom of Information requests, and reporting wrongdoing in the education sector. While typical wait times are not specified, callers may experience delays during peak periods or after major announcements. For quicker service, consider calling during off-peak hours.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Answer education policy questions
- Submit school complaints
- Make FOI requests
- Report public sector wrongdoing
- Inquire about teacher training
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- URN or UK PRN
- Complaint details
- FOI request specifics
- Supporting documents
- Personal identification
- Contact information
Known issues
Callers to the Department for Education may occasionally face long wait times, especially during peak periods or following major policy announcements. To mitigate this, it is advisable to call during off-peak hours. Additionally, phone support is not available on weekends or bank holidays, so using online contact forms during these times can be a helpful alternative. Being prepared with necessary reference numbers and documents can also expedite the process and reduce potential frustrations.
