Proposed new Ofsted Chief grilled by MPs during Education Committee ‘interview’
Sir Michael Wilshaw’s successor-elect was in front of the Education Select Committee on Wednesday to answer questions about her vision for Ofsted should her appointment be ratified.
Amanda Spielman, the current Chair of exam regulator Ofqual, told committee members that despite her senior role within the Ark academy chain, she has “never taken a dogmatic view at a particular model of schools”, adding that there are multiple factors that contribute to overall improvement.
Prompted by Committee Chair Neil Carmichael to share her vision for Ofsted in an evermore complex and challenging education system, Mrs Spielman said she believed the role of the inspectorate was to “shine light” on what is happening and where. She also mentioned she would like to discuss the role of the Outstanding grade as she feels “unconfortable to some of its effects”.
A large part of the hearing, which is a statutory part of the recruitment process, was focused on concerns raised by teachers on the new Ofsted Chief’s lack of teaching experience. Mrs Spielman explained that: “it’s something that will always be there, that I haven’t been a teacher. But I don’t see it as an impediment.”
In her capacity as Chair of Ofqual, Amanda Spielman met with Head Teachers in our region to discuss concerns over the volatility of exam marking during Summer 2015 – you can read more about the meeting here. Mrs Spielman also wrote to SCHOOLS NorthEast following her visit to Newcastle, saying that the network is a “catalyst for change and a forum for constructive discussion”.