Amanda Spielman has been approved by the Privy Council to become Ofsted’s next chief inspector, TES can reveal.
Question marks had started to appear over whether the current chair of Ofqual would still be given the green light to take the top job at Ofsted following Nicky Morgan’s sacking as education secretary.
Ms Morgan had gone to great lengths to ensure her preferred candidate was appointed as Her Majesty’s chief inspector after the Commons Education Select Committee opposed the decision.
The cross panel of MPs, chaired by the Conservative Neil Carmichael, rejected Ms Spielman, claiming she lacked the “passion and vision” for the role.
But Ms Morgan snubbed the committee’s decision and recommended her approval to former prime minister David Cameron and the rest of the Privy Council.
Speculation has been rife over whether the new education secretary Justine Greening would continue with Ms Spielman’s appointment or heed the advice of the select committee.
However, TES was told that her candidacy has been formally approved.
A source said: “The Privy Council met on the Tuesday of the prime minister resigning and approved it. It’s not public yet, but Amanda Spielman has her approval letter.”
This afternoon Ms Greening welcomed the decision,saying: “I’m confident Amanda Spielman is the right person to lead Ofsted and I look forward to working with her.
“Ofsted’s role is vital in challenging schools, childcare providers and social services to ensure every child reaches their full potential.”
Ms Spielman said: “I am delighted to be confirmed as the next chief inspector of Ofsted.
“I have seen firsthand the impact a great education can have and I want this to be the norm for every child, with childcare providers laying the foundations for that experience while social care services deliver for the most vulnerable young people.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to Sir Michael Wilshaw for his efforts in holding those sectors to account and I look forward to building on that work.”
David Hoare, chair of Ofsted, said: “Amanda Spielman will make an excellent chief inspector.
“She has a demonstrable passion for education and a great deal of experience in running complex organisations.
“She will bring her strategic skills to all of Ofsted’s work including early years, social care, schools and further education. I am delighted that her appointment is now officially confirmed.”
