Sir Martyn Oliver has been officially confirmed as the next Ofsted chief inspector, the Department for Education announced today.
It comes after the chief executive of Outwood Grange Academies Trust received the backing of the Commons Education Select Committee in September.
He will take over the top role on 1 January 2024 for a five-year term.
Sir Martyn Oliver will hold the role of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills after the Privy Council has confirmed his appointment through an Order in Council.
Speaking today, education secretary Gillian Keegan described Sir Martyn as an ”accomplished school and trust leader with a tremendous record of driving up standards”.
Ms Keegan also thanked the current chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, for her work over the past seven years.
“She successfully led Ofsted through a series of significant reforms in education and children’s services, alongside championing a broad and balanced curriculum,” Ms Keegan said.
“We look forward to building on this vital work with Sir Martyn Oliver to ensure Ofsted continues to evolve.”
Ofsted ‘Big Listen’
Sir Martyn said: “I was deeply honoured and hugely privileged to be recommended for this role by the secretary of state, and I am delighted that the Privy Council has today approved my appointment.
“I am looking forward to engaging with all parts of the sector that Ofsted regulates and inspects through a ‘Big Listen’ so that Ofsted is very much of the system and by the system, for the benefit of children and parents.
“I promise to be empathetic, compassionate and understanding of the challenges that those of us working in education, children’s services and skills face, especially in terms of the recovery post-Covid, and I will ensure that we always take a holistic view for the good of all children, especially the most vulnerable and those who are disadvantaged.”
Sir Martyn will start his five-year term on January 1 2024 after Ms Spielman’s term ends at the end of this year following seven years in post.
Ofsted launched a new school inspection framework under Ms Spielman’s leadership, focused on the intent, implementation and impact of the school curriculum. It was introduced in September 2019 but had less than two terms before routine inspection was put on hold because of the Covid crisis
Ms Spielman’s term was extended in 2021 for two years because of the disruption caused by Covid.
