David Bell was born in Glasgow in March 1959. He studied history and philosophy at Glasgow University and obtained his PGCE from Jordanhill College of Education. He also has a Master of Education degree in management and administration from Glasgow University.

He has held teaching posts at primary schools in Glasgow, moving on to become a deputy head, and then a headteacher in Essex.

In 1990 he became assistant director of education at Newcastle City Council. During this time he spent a year as a Harkness Fellow at Georgia State University, Atlanta, studying education and local government reform across the United States of America.

David trained as an Ofsted team inspector in 1993. He became a Registered Inspector in 1994 and carried out inspections in primary schools.

He was promoted to director of education and libraries at Newcastle City Council in 1995 and became chief executive of Bedfordshire County Council in 2000.

David was appointed HM Chief Inspector of Schools in England (HMCI) by the Privy Council on 12 February 2002 and took up his post on 1 May 2002.

On 1 January 2006 he became Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education and Skills, succeeding Sir David Normington who moved to the Home Office, and on 28 June 2008 became Permanent Secretary of the now Department for Education.

David Bell is married with two daughters. His hobbies include reading, particularly anything to do with American politics, keeping fit and watching Rushden and Diamonds Football Club.