Jonathan Simons

Partner and Head of the Education Practice Public First 

Jonathan Simons is a Partner, and Head of the Education Practice, at the strategy and public policy consultancy Public First, which works with some of the biggest organisations in English education including major universities and colleges to help them address policy questions and engage with government. 

Jonathan has spent the past fifteen years working in and with governments on education issues – including eight years in government including a spell in the No10 Strategy Unit; as the Head of Education for the think tank Policy Exchange; in international education, and in business and education. In these roles, he has published extensively on all elements of the English education system and is a frequent media commentator and columnist. 

Jonathan is a Member of Astrea Multi Academy Trust, a Trustee of Education Development Trust and of the Anthem Multi Academy Trust, and is the co-founder of Greenwich Free School. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) in the UK, as well as a member of several advisory Boards with the UK Department for Education. In his spare time, he tries unsuccessfully to train a puppy.  

"It has never been more important for young people to reap the benefits of higher education. As we focus on how to prepare students for their future, we should remember that as well as looking forward, students should be entitled to the inheritance of their ancestors - the best of the knowledge that has been thought and said."