It’s official, David Hoare has resigned from his position as the chair of Ofsted, the Department of Education has confirmed.

Following his recent description of the Isle of Wight as a “white ghetto” that suffered from “inbreeding, Mr Hoare has been under intense pressure to step down from his role at the inspectorate. It is understood many senior figures at the watchdog were also unhappy with the former City businessman’s comments that he “particularly did not want a teacher” to become the next chief inspector. Amanda Spielman, the chair of Ofqual, who has no teaching experience, was appointed to the top job last month.  

Education Secretary Justine Greening said in a statement: "I have accepted David Hoare's resignation from the post of Chair of the Board of Ofsted.” "I would like to thank David for his hard work in this role over the past two years." A statement released by Ofsted this confirmed he would be stepping down with immediate effect. Mr Hoare said: “It has been a great privilege to chair the Ofsted Board for the past two years.  I am pleased that the organisation now has an excellent Board in place with expertise across all of our remit areas, including early years and further education.”
“I am also pleased that Ofsted has recruited a strong new Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, who is due to take over from Sir Michael in January." “We have also been able to agree the strategic priorities for Ofsted, focusing on improving the life chances for the disadvantaged children of our country.  I will miss working with an excellent team, making a real difference.” James Kempton, a senior non-executive board member has agreed to take on the role of chair on an interim basis. Ms Greening will now begin the process of appointing a permanent successor to Mr Hoare.