The Department of Education has confirmed Amanda Spielman has been approved by the Privy Council to become Ofsted’s next chief inspector. She will replace Sir Michael Wilshaw who is due to step down in December.

Doubts were raised over whether the new predecessor Nicky Morgan’s choice for the top job at the inspectorate. Ms Morgan had gone to great lengths to ensure her preferred candidate was appointed as Her Majesty’s chief inspector after the Commons Education Select Committee opposed the decision. But following a pre-appointment hearing on June 29, the House of Commons Education Committee report raised “significant concerns,” criticising Ms Spielman’s lack of “passion for the role” and the fact she has not worked as a teacher before, spending much of her career in corporate finance. But Ms Morgan snubbed the committee’s decision and recommended her approval to former prime minister David Cameron and the rest of the Privy Council. However, reports from TES suggest she was told that her candidacy has been formally approved. A source said: “The Privy Council met on the Tuesday of the prime minister resigning and approved it. It's not public yet, but Amanda Spielman has her approval letter.”

This afternoon Ms Greening welcomed the decision, saying: "I’m confident Amanda Spielman is the right person to lead Ofsted and I look forward to working with her."
"Ofsted’s role is vital in challenging schools, childcare providers and social services to ensure every child reaches their full potential.” Ms Spielman said: “I am delighted to be confirmed as the next Chief Inspector of Ofsted. "I have seen first-hand the impact a great education can have and I want this to be the norm for every child, with childcare providers laying the foundations for that experience while social care services deliver for the most vulnerable young people."

“I’d also like to pay tribute to Sir Michael Wilshaw for his efforts in holding those sectors to account and I look forward to building on that work.” David Hoare, chair of Ofsted, said: “Amanda Spielman will make an excellent chief inspector." "She has a demonstrable passion for education and a great deal of experience in running complex organisations."
"She will bring her strategic skills to all of Ofsted’s work including early years, social care, schools and further education. I am delighted that her appointment is now officially confirmed." Ms Morgan reiterated that Ms Spielman was the best candidate, adding she was “surprised and disappointed” by the committee’s report. She said members’ views on the desirable qualities and skills wanted from the next chief inspector were “different in very significant areas from the advertised person specification (which the committee received before the role was advertised).”

A DfE spokesperson said a full statement on Ms Spielman’s appointment would be issued “in due course."