Education Committee endorses Sir Michael Wilshaw as Ofsted head
3 November 2011
The Education Committee has published a report in which it endorses the Government's preferred candidate for the role of HM Chief Inspector, Ofsted, Sir Michael Wilshaw.
- Report: Appointment of HM Chief Inspector, Ofsted
- Education Committee
- Parliament TV: Pre-appointment hearing with the Government’s preferred candidate for HM Chief Inspector, Ofsted
In its pre-appointment hearing, the Education Committee explored the following areas with Sir Michael Wilshaw:
- The recruitment process
- His vision for education and for children's development, and his ambitions in the post
- How his schools-based experience equips him to head a body also responsible for children's services
- His management and leadership experience
- His financial skills
- His view on the committee's recent report on the role and performance of Ofsted
- Whether inspection should be a measurement or part of a process of improvement
- Remuneration, and how long he intends to remain in the post
- Possible conflicts of interest
Sir Michael Wilshaw
Sir Michael Wilshaw is currently Principal of Mossbourne Community Academy in Hackney, a 1,300 pupil, 11-18 mixed comprehensive school. He is also Director of Education for ARK Schools, a network of eight academies across the primary and secondary phases.
Prior to taking up the post at Mossbourne, Sir Michael spent 13 years in middle management and senior posts in the Inner London Education Authority and 4 years as Deputy Head of Trinity High School, Redbridge. He also holds a number of other appointments, including as a Member of the National Curriculum Advisory Committee and Trustee of the Prince's Teaching Institute.
Purpose of pre-appointment hearings
Pre-appointment hearings are conducted for key public officials in which Parliament has a strong interest. It is an opportunity for the relevant select committee to question a candidate on his or her suitability for the role and the process used in selection. The outcome of the hearing is non-binding, but the committee's report should inform ministers’ decision-making on whether or not to proceed.