For the first time in its history, Ofsted has appointed a leader of a religious school as its chairman.
Sir Hamid Patel, a well-respected figure in the education sector, will take on the interim role following the departure of Dame Christine Ryan.
After serving for four years, Dame Christine announced her decision to step down in November last year, paving the way for a new chapter in the education watchdog’s leadership.
A Proven Track Record in Education
Sir Hamid Patel is no stranger to the education system.
As the chief executive of the Star Academies Trust, he oversees nearly 40 primary and secondary schools across various regions, including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the Midlands, and London.
Many of these schools have received outstanding ratings, highlighting his commitment to excellence in education.
Since founding Star Academies in 2010, Sir Hamid has led a diverse range of institutions, including Islamic and Christian schools, as well as grammar schools.
His dedication to improving educational standards has earned him recognition, including a knighthood in 2021 for his contributions to education.
He was also invited to attend the King’s coronation in 2023, a testament to his national standing.
Balanced Leadership and Commitment to Fairness
Having served on Ofsted’s board since 2019, Sir Hamid has been regarded as a balanced and fair leader.
Reports indicate that he has never opposed efforts to regulate more hardline religious schools, demonstrating his support for an inclusive and well-regulated education system.
He has also been vocal about supporting disadvantaged students, particularly white working-class boys.
In 2020, he called attention to the alarming statistic that only one in seven of these students would pass their GCSEs in English and Maths, describing the situation as a “national disgrace.”
Reactions to His Appointment
Sir Hamid’s appointment has drawn reactions from various quarters.
The National Secular Society has stated its willingness to support any chairman who upholds equality principles, regardless of religion or belief.
Meanwhile, Ofsted’s chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, has praised Sir Hamid as a leader of “some of the best schools in England.”
Sir Martyn further expressed confidence in his leadership, saying, “After more than five years on the Ofsted Board, I’m delighted he is stepping up to lead while the secretary of state recruits a permanent chairman.”
Addressing Controversies from the Past
Sir Hamid’s career has not been without controversy.
During his tenure as headteacher at Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School in Blackburn, the school introduced rules encouraging students to wear the hijab outside the classroom and recite the Quran weekly.
In 2010, the school faced criticism for allowing a visit from Saudi cleric Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, who had made antisemitic remarks in the past.
However, Sir Hamid later explained that the cleric’s visit was brief and that students had simply wanted to see a public figure they had followed online.
Despite these past concerns, Star Academies now embraces a broader approach, hosting guest speakers from various faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, Sikhism, and Hinduism.
The Future of Ofsted Under Sir Hamid’s Leadership
Sir Hamid takes the helm at a crucial time for Ofsted, as teachers and education professionals debate proposed changes to the inspection system.
The suggested reforms, which aim to replace single-word school ratings with more detailed report cards, have sparked concerns among educators.
Many worry that the changes could increase workload and maintain high-stakes pressure on school leaders.
The debate over these reforms follows the tragic case of headteacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life in January 2023 after her school received an “inadequate” rating.
Ofsted’s handling of such cases has been under intense scrutiny, with calls for a more supportive and transparent approach.
Dame Christine Ryan’s departure was also influenced by an independent review that criticized Ofsted’s response to Perry’s death.
As Sir Hamid steps into his new role, all eyes will be on how he navigates these challenges and shapes the future of school inspections.
What’s Next?
As the search for a permanent chairman continues, Sir Hamid Patel’s leadership will be closely watched.
His experience, commitment to education, and ability to balance diverse perspectives will play a crucial role in determining the direction Ofsted takes.
With ongoing debates about school inspections, equality in education, and regulatory oversight, his interim tenure promises to be a pivotal period for the organization.