| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sixth Report - Appointment of His Majesty's Chief Inspector… | HC 1800 | 8 Sep 2023 | 11 | Overdue |
The Committee held a pre-appointment hearing with the Government’s preferred Candidate for His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, on 5 September 2023. We agree that Sir Martyn Oliver is appointable for the post. Wider reflections on the role
The Committee recognises Sir Martyn’s commitment to education and his breadth of experience both within schools and as a leader, with a particular focus on the most disadvantaged children. We understand that Sir Martyn was limited on what he could say regarding his priorities prior to taking the role and …
Sir Martyn’s CV details his extensive experience in schools in leadership roles. He has made significant contributions to the education sector, as evidenced by his Knighthood, received in 2022.13 Sir Martyn’s work with Outwood Grange Academy Trust (OGAT) has been transformative for many schools in the country. In the evidence …
His supporting statement shows a passion for the role, and an aim to make OFSTED a champion for children.14 Sir Martyn expressed his strong ambition to help schools recover from the COVID-19 pandemic which had been “a disaster” for educators and pupils across the country.15 We particularly welcome Sir Martyn’s …
The Committee also questioned Sir Martyn on political impartiality, curriculum breadth and the use of thematic reviews. We welcome his suggestion of an urgent thematic review into attendance but Members were concerned at an apparent lack of awareness over controversial and contentious debates on RSHE and the teaching of gender …
We also questioned Sir Martyn about his personal assessment of the adequacy of the one-word judgement system. He told us that he had views on the system but he wanted to talk to “the experts who are delivering on the ground” and parents before reaching any conclusions.18
We welcome the Candidate’s intention to collaborate closely with the education sector and to engage in a substantial listening exercise following his appointment, and we hope he will pay keen attention to the wellbeing and the needs of teachers, headteachers and children’s services professionals. Sir Martyn was keen to ensure …
The Committee notes that despite Sir Martyn’s call for “more current serving leaders”, to make Ofsted an “inspection of the system by the system”, he himself has “never served as an inspector” before, due to “being too busy going behind the schools that Ofsted has placed into special measures and …
The Committee understands that the role of HMCI does not require experience in every facet of OFSTED’s remit, however we were reassured that Sir Martyn has taken steps to engage with children’s services and the education sector more widely in preparation for this role. This is a good start, and …
Sir Martyn told us that his ambition was for OFSTED to “deliver to the Government of the day without fear or favour”.20 He emphasised the importance of diagnosing the problems within the education sector in a holistic manner to ensure that “no child can slip between the gaps”.21 We welcome …
This Committee will be taking forward its inquiry into OFSTED’s work with schools this Autumn. The inquiry will aim to assess how well OFSTED is fulfilling its role in inspecting schools and whether and how it could be improved, to inform the work of the incoming His Majesty’s Chief Inspector. …
| Date | Witnesses | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Sep 2023 | Sir Martyn Oliver, Government's preferred candidate | View ↗ |
| Date | Direction | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Oct 2023 | — | Correspondence from Sir Martyn Oliver on permanent exclusion figures in Outwood… |
| 5 Sep 2023 | — | Correspondence from the Secretary of State regarding the appointment of the nex… |