Sir Martyn Oliver approved as Ofsted’s new chief inspector by cross-party MPs

Nursery World reported in July that Sir Martyn, chief executive of Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), was the Government’s preferred candidate for the role.

Last week, he attended a pre-appointment hearing with the Education Committee. Following the hearing, the Committee decided it was satisfied that Sir Martyn has the ‘appropriate professional competence and personal independence for the role’.

According to the Committee’s report, it questioned Sir Martyn about his ‘personal assessment of the adequacy of the one-word judgement system. He said he has views on the system but wanted to talk to “the experts who are delivering on the ground” and parents before reaching any conclusions.’

Following further scrutiny, Sir Martyn is due to take over from the current HMCI (His Majesty’s Chief Inspector), Amanda Spielman, from 1 January 2024. The appointment is based on a five-year term of office.

Daniel Kebede, general Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said, ‘As Martyn Oliver takes up the post of the new Chief Inspector of Ofsted, he will know that he is taking over an organisation in which the profession has lost trust.

‘The human cost of inspection has rightly been under the spotlight this year. The current inspection system is not reliable or fair and does not take into account the many factors which affect schools. It is time for a real engagement with the chorus of voices calling for a much better system of inspection; one that is supportive, effective and fair.’