For the first time in its history, Ofsted, the schools regulator, will be led by a religious school leader. Sir Hamid Patel, the chief executive of Star Academies Trust, has been appointed as interim chairman, stepping in until a permanent successor is found for Dame Christine Ryan.

 

 

Sir Hamid has been a member of the Ofsted board since 2019 and has overseen the expansion of Star Academies, which operates nearly 40 primary and secondary schools, including several Islamic institutions, a Christian school, and grammar schools. Many of these schools have achieved an "outstanding" rating from Ofsted. His leadership at the trust, which he has headed since its formation in 2010, has been widely recognized, culminating in his knighthood in 2021 for services to education.

 

 

His career in education began as the headteacher of Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School in Blackpool, where he implemented policies encouraging students to wear a hijab outside of school and to engage in religious study, such as reciting the Koran weekly. The school also advised against bringing stationery featuring images deemed "un-Islamic," such as those of pop stars.

 

Sir Hamid’s tenure at Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School was not without controversy. In 2010, the school hosted Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, a Saudi cleric known for inflammatory remarks about Jewish people. Sheikh Sudais had previously referred to Jews as "pigs" and prayed for God to "terminate" them. Sir Hamid later defended the visit, explaining in a 2013 interview that students were interested in meeting the cleric, who was widely followed online, and that his visit lasted only 20 minutes. There is no evidence that these remarks were made at the school.

 

 

His appointment has drawn reactions from various groups. The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism voiced concerns, stating, "We hope that in his new role, Hamid Patel will adopt a higher degree of scrutiny than he appeared to in his previous occupation. British Jews will understandably be concerned that an individual who invited a man who allegedly described Jews as ‘pigs’ to speak to children will be responsible for assessing the performance of schools." However, Star Academies now hosts speakers from multiple faiths, including Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Christian, and Islamic leaders.

 

Sir Hamid has also made commitments to improving educational outcomes for all students, not just those from religious backgrounds. He has previously highlighted the struggles of white working-class boys in the education system, calling their low academic achievement “a national disgrace” and vowing to support efforts to improve their performance.

 

The National Secular Society acknowledged his appointment with cautious optimism, stating, "At a time when religious fundamentalism is increasingly impacting schools, we’re willing to support any chairman who upholds principles of equality, regardless of sex and religion or belief. We urge Sir Hamid to ensure that Ofsted remains committed to ensuring that religion does not impede educational standards or undermine children’s fundamental human right to a broad and balanced education."

 

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, praised the appointment, noting, "Sir Hamid Patel runs some of the best schools in England. He is a highly respected school and academy trust leader, knighted for his contribution to education. After more than five years on the Ofsted Board, I’m delighted he is stepping up to lead while the secretary of state recruits a permanent chairman."

 

Sir Hamid’s appointment comes at a time when Ofsted faces scrutiny over its school inspection processes. As interim chairman, he will be responsible for guiding the regulator through ongoing debates about its policies and ensuring that educational standards remain rigorous and fair across all schools in England.

 

Based on a report by NYP  2025-03-17

 

 

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

For the first time in its history, Ofsted, the schools regulator, will be led by a religious school leader.

 

The Islamification of Britain's institutions continues at a rapid pace.

 

I hope this doesn't lead to a 2 tier education system to match the 2 tier justice system. 

7 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

The Islamification of Britain's institutions continues at a rapid pace.

 

I hope this doesn't lead to a 2 tier education system to match the 2 tier justice system. 

The appointment of a Muslim to public office is not ‘Islamization’.

 

The UK already has a two tier education system.