Committee gives approval of preferred Ofsted chief

The Education Committee has published its report on the appointment of Sir Martyn Oliver’s candidacy for the role of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) at Ofsted, declaring it is satisfied that Sir Martyn has the appropriate professional competence and personal independence for the role.
 
A pre-appointment hearing with Sir Martyn, the Government’s preferred candidate to become the next HMCI, was held on 5 September.
 
Sir Martyn is due to take over from the current HMCI, Amanda Spielman, from 1 January 2024. The appointment is based on a five-year term of office.

Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan said: “I am delighted the independent Education Select Committee has endorsed Sir Martyn Oliver for the post of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills at Ofsted.

“I particularly welcome the Committee’s recognition of Sir Martyn’s experience within schools and as a leader, as well as his focus on improving standards and opportunities for the most disadvantaged children, which I know will be essential in providing strong direction in the future of Ofsted.”
Sir Martyn Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said:

 “I was deeply honoured and hugely privileged to be recommended for this role by the Secretary of State, and am delighted that the Education Select Committee has today approved my appointment.

 “Subject to the approval of the Privy Council, I am looking forward to engaging with all parts of the education sector that Ofsted regulates and inspects through a Big Listen, so that Ofsted is very much of the system and by the system for the benefit of children and parents.

 “I promise to be empathetic, compassionate and understanding of the challenges that those of us working in education, children’s services and skills face, especially in terms of the recovery post-Covid, and will ensure that we always take a holistic view for the good of all children, especially the most vulnerable and those who are disadvantaged.”