Ofsted has appointed Sir Hamid Patel, the chief executive of the Star Academies Trust, as its interim chairman, marking a significant first for the education watchdog.
Sir Hamid, a well-known figure in the education sector, will temporarily step into the role following Dame Christine Ryan’s departure in November 2024, after a four-year tenure.
Sir Hamid Patel: A Proven Leader in Education
Sir Hamid Patel has a long history of leadership in the education sector, having run the Star Academies Trust since its inception in 2010.
The trust manages around 40 schools across regions such as Lancashire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the Midlands, and London, with many of its schools receiving outstanding ratings.
The trust operates a variety of institutions, including Islamic, Christian, and grammar schools.
In addition to his role at Star Academies, Sir Hamid has been part of the Ofsted board since 2019.
His work and dedication to education were recognized when he was knighted in 2021 for his services.
He also attended the King’s coronation in 2023, further cementing his status in British society.
A Balanced Approach to Education and Equality
Sources suggest that Sir Hamid has always been a fair and balanced board member, known for his support of regulating even the more hardline religious schools.
His stance on supporting white working-class boys also stands out, with him previously calling the low pass rates among this group a “national disgrace.”
The National Secular Society, in response to Sir Hamid’s appointment, expressed its support, emphasizing that it would back any chairman who upholds equality for all, regardless of sex or religion.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, also praised Sir Hamid’s leadership, highlighting his exceptional contribution to education in England.
Controversial History and Criticism Over Previous Actions
Despite the positive feedback, Sir Hamid’s appointment has raised some concerns.
He was previously headteacher at Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School in Blackburn, where some of the school’s policies, such as encouraging the wearing of the hijab outside school and banning “un-Islamic” images in stationery, attracted criticism.
One of the most controversial moments during his tenure was when a Saudi cleric, known for making anti-Semitic remarks, visited the school.
While there was no evidence the cleric made such comments at the school, the visit remains a point of contention.
A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism has expressed concerns about Sir Hamid’s ability to objectively assess schools, given his past involvement with the controversial visit.
However, Sir Hamid has made efforts to ensure that Star Academies now hosts speakers from multiple faiths, including Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.
Teachers’ Concerns Over Ofsted’s Proposed Inspection Changes
Sir Hamid’s appointment comes amid ongoing concerns from teachers about changes to Ofsted’s inspection methods.
The proposed reforms would remove the one-word school assessments in favor of more comprehensive reports.
While this change aims to make evaluations more thorough and informative, many educators fear it could create more work and continue to impose high-stakes pressure on schools, as was the case with the one-word ratings.
This issue gained national attention after the tragic suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry in January 2023, following her school’s “inadequate” rating from Ofsted.
In response, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver has defended the proposed changes, stating they are still under consultation until April 28, 2025.
A Time of Transition for Ofsted
Sir Hamid’s appointment is just one part of a larger transition within Ofsted.
With Dame Christine Ryan stepping down amid the fallout from Ruth Perry’s death, the education sector is watching closely as the watchdog navigates significant changes.
For now, Sir Hamid Patel is tasked with temporarily leading Ofsted, a role that will continue until a permanent chairman is appointed.