The preferred replacement for Sir Michael Wilshaw as chief inspector of Education is Amanda Spielman, the current chair of Ofqual, the exams regulator.
Sir Michael Wilshaw ends his five-year tenure at Ofsted at the end of this year with Amanda Spielman set to replace him. Education secretary, Nicky Morgan MP said of her recommendation for the post:-
“I am delighted to recommend Amanda Spielman as chief inspector.
“From helping to set up one of the country’s top academy chains, to acting as a council member for the Institute of Education, to overseeing our ambitious qualification reform programme, Amanda has extensive experience at the front line of the education system, making her uniquely qualified to take up this important role.
“I know that she is the right person to deliver the Education White Paper’s commitment to continue to improve the quality and consistency of Ofsted’s inspections, ensuring that it plays a central role in realising our vision of educational excellence everywhere.”
There has been some questioning of this appointment as Ms Spielman has never had a career as a teacher. She does have the experience of co-founding the Ark Academy of schools which has been responsible for turning around the fortunes of the most underperforming schools in the country. She is also a trustee of Stemnet, a network which helps to get young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Ms Spielman will need to appear in front of the Commons Education Select committee who will then feedback their findings to the health secretary who will then make a decision on the appointment.
