Janie McManus has been announced as Scotland’s interim chief inspector of education.
Ms McManus, who has been strategic director of scrutiny at Education Scotland, will lead the inspectorate during the ongoing period of reform until the establishment of the new inspection body.
The Scottish government has committed to splitting Education Scotland’s curriculum development and inspection responsibilities and creating a new education agency for Scotland, as well as an independent inspectorate of education.
As part of the plans, the government has also committed to replacing the Scottish Qualifications Authority - although that process has been hit by delays.
Early government timelines suggested the new bodies would be in place by 2024 but now they are not expected to appear until 2025.
The interim chief inspector role is for 18 months, with a starting salary of £86,400.
Ms McManus said she was “both delighted and honoured” to be appointed.
She added: “I look forward to engaging with all parts of the profession as we work towards developing and delivering new approaches to inspection as part of education reform.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead His Majesty’s inspectors through this coming period as we manage the transition to the new inspection body.
“Inspection plays a key role as part of the education system, cultivating relationships that support improvement and drive genuine and lasting positive change for all children.”
Yesterday, Ms McManus was featured in education secretary Jenny Gilruth’s plans for addressing worsening behaviour in schools.
Ms Gilruth said that Ms McManus had been asked to strengthen the evidence inspectors gather “to ensure an accurate picture of behaviour in Scotland’s schools to support improvement”.
Gillian Hamilton, Education Scotland’s interim chief executive, welcomed Ms McManus to the role and looked forward to working with her to “support the transition from Education Scotland to the new national organisations”.
