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New Ofsted chief named as David Hoare, trustee of academy chain AET New Ofsted chief named as David Hoare, trustee of academy chain AET
(about 4 hours later)
A trustee of Britain's largest academy chain group has been appointed as chairman of the schools regulator Ofsted in a surprise announcement meant to calm some of the internal conflicts within the coalition.A trustee of Britain's largest academy chain group has been appointed as chairman of the schools regulator Ofsted in a surprise announcement meant to calm some of the internal conflicts within the coalition.
David Hoare, chairman of the mail company DX Group and a trustee of AET, the largest academy group in the UK, is the first senior appointment by Nicky Morgan, the new education secretary, who is widely seen as less combative than her predecessor Michael Gove.David Hoare, chairman of the mail company DX Group and a trustee of AET, the largest academy group in the UK, is the first senior appointment by Nicky Morgan, the new education secretary, who is widely seen as less combative than her predecessor Michael Gove.
The appointment on Thursday follows bitter rows within the government and the education sector over the role. Hoare's appointment will be less controversial than former frontrunner and Tory donor David Ross would have been.The appointment on Thursday follows bitter rows within the government and the education sector over the role. Hoare's appointment will be less controversial than former frontrunner and Tory donor David Ross would have been.
The post became vacant in February when Gove failed to renew the contract of the then chair, Sally Morgan. Lady Morgan, who was a senior aide to Tony Blair when he was prime minister, said there was a "determined effort" to appoint a Conservative to the job. The multimillionaire Carphone Warehouse co-founder Ross was expected to be chosen.The post became vacant in February when Gove failed to renew the contract of the then chair, Sally Morgan. Lady Morgan, who was a senior aide to Tony Blair when he was prime minister, said there was a "determined effort" to appoint a Conservative to the job. The multimillionaire Carphone Warehouse co-founder Ross was expected to be chosen.
Gove's unexpected decision not to extend Morgan's three-year contract caused a damaging coalition row with the schools minister, David Laws. The Lib Dems suggested Gove had been trying to politicise the post, which the Tories denied. They insisted the selection process was overseen by an independent panel, and Downing Street said appointments were made on merit.Gove's unexpected decision not to extend Morgan's three-year contract caused a damaging coalition row with the schools minister, David Laws. The Lib Dems suggested Gove had been trying to politicise the post, which the Tories denied. They insisted the selection process was overseen by an independent panel, and Downing Street said appointments were made on merit.
Hoare has been chairman of a number of companies including Virgin Express, Paragon Group and Laura Ashley. He is also a trustee of the Teenage Cancer Trust.Hoare has been chairman of a number of companies including Virgin Express, Paragon Group and Laura Ashley. He is also a trustee of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
In a statement issued through the department for education, Hoare said he planned to work closely with Sir Michael Wilshaw, the chief inspector of schools who urged Gove not to dismiss Morgan.In a statement issued through the department for education, Hoare said he planned to work closely with Sir Michael Wilshaw, the chief inspector of schools who urged Gove not to dismiss Morgan.
"I am very happy to be taking up this appointment. I look forward to working closely with Sir Michael Wilshaw to raise quality in children's services and standards in our schools and colleges - especially for disadvantaged pupils," he said."I am very happy to be taking up this appointment. I look forward to working closely with Sir Michael Wilshaw to raise quality in children's services and standards in our schools and colleges - especially for disadvantaged pupils," he said.
In the same statement, Morgan said his leadership skills would be crucial to helping Ofsted through a significant period of reform.In the same statement, Morgan said his leadership skills would be crucial to helping Ofsted through a significant period of reform.
"His work with academies across the country shows he shares my commitment to ever higher standards in our schools, for all children but particularly the most disadvantaged."His work with academies across the country shows he shares my commitment to ever higher standards in our schools, for all children but particularly the most disadvantaged.
"I am confident that his strong track record in business and the passion he demonstrated throughout the interview process will be of huge benefit to Ofsted. He and Sir Michael Wilshaw will make a superb team," she said."I am confident that his strong track record in business and the passion he demonstrated throughout the interview process will be of huge benefit to Ofsted. He and Sir Michael Wilshaw will make a superb team," she said.
His appointment is an indication that relations between the Conservatives and Lib Dems in the Department for Education have improved. Gove was demoted to chief whip in David Cameron's reshuffle this month.His appointment is an indication that relations between the Conservatives and Lib Dems in the Department for Education have improved. Gove was demoted to chief whip in David Cameron's reshuffle this month.
Last year AET, which ran 77 schools, was criticised for its performance in managing schools and was barred managing any more along with several other academy chains.
One teaching union reacted angrily to Hoare's appointment, saying his links with academies meant the government was "politicising" the inspection system.
Kevin Courtney, deputy general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "Teachers will view today's appointment as further evidence of the government's politicisation of school inspection. This could further widen the credibility gap between Ofsted and schools, and the new chair will need to demonstrate his competence to chair the school inspectorate in an impartial manner with regard to all academy and community schools.
"Academy status is no panacea. It is essential that Ofsted distances itself from the pressure to force schools to become academies against their will."