New Ofsted board members announced

Three new non-executive Ofsted board members have been confirmed by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan.

Richard Atkins, John Cridland and Venessa Willms have been appointed to serve on the board for three years.

Atkins recently retired from Exeter College, where he was principal and chief executive. He was previously at Yeovil College and has held various teaching and leadership roles within further education.

Cridland was director-general of the CBI and is a former UK commissioner for employment and skills. He is currently chair of transport for the North, the statutory body responsible for the transport investment case in the Northern Powerhouse.

Willms is currently director of primary at Ark where she has responsibility for 23 schools across four different regions. She is a former principal at King Solomon Academy in London and has significant experience in primary and early years education.

Commenting on the appointments, Morgan said: “I welcome the appointment of three new board members, who will use their wide-ranging experience to further improve education and care for young people.”

David Hoare, chair of the Ofsted board, added: “I am delighted to be welcoming Richard Atkins, John Cridland and Venessa Willms as our new non-executive board members. Together they offer a broad range of skills and experience and will ensure the board better reflects each of the different remits of Ofsted.”