Former Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman has joined international schools group GEMS Education as chair of its new academic council.
The council will provide oversight, advice and guidance on standards and education provision within the GEMS network, which educates 175,000 students in schools in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
Ms Spielman, who was the predecessor to current Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver, holding her role at the English schools inspectorate from 2017 to 2023, said she was “delighted” with her new position.
Previously Ms Spielman was chair of Ofqual, the English regulator of qualifications and assessments, where she oversaw reforms to GCSEs and A levels. She now advises on education and regulatory projects in the UK and internationally, and is a trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Spielman brings ‘expertise and leadership’
Sunny Varkey, executive chairman of GEMS Education, said Ms Spielman’s “unparalleled experience, expertise and leadership in education will undoubtedly drive our schools to new heights”.
Mr Varkey, who is the founder of both the Varkey Foundation and GEMS Education, described the GEMS academic council as “an important new body comprising world-class experts in various aspects of school education”.
The council will review the impact of educational policies and practices across the GEMS network, with its members representing every stage of education from the early years to post-16.
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