MPs reject Thicky Nicky’s preferred choice as new head of Ofsted

Amanda Spielman gave evidence to MPs on the Education Select Committee last month. This picture is being used because it seems less off-putting than anoth shot of staring-eyed ‘Thicky’ Nicky Morgan. [Image: Parliament TV].

‘Thicky’ Nicky Morgan has had a knockback from the Commons’ education select committee, who have rejected her choice of Amanda Spielman as the new head of Ofsted.

Ms Spielman has no teaching experience and has failed to show “passion” or an understanding of the role she would be taking on, according to the committee.

Thicky Nicky chose her for her experience in the education sector, even though she has never been a teacher. She has, however, founded and expanded the successful academy chain Ark – while also chairing exams regulator Ofqual.

Ofsted is the organisation that inspects schools to ensure they meet the required standard of teaching quality – and this is a woman who helps run an academy chain.

Bit of a conflict of interest there?

MPs have rejected the government’s choice for the next head of Ofsted, saying they have “significant concerns” about her suitability for the job.

Amanda Spielman, who has no teaching experience, failed to show “passion” or an understanding of the “complex role”, education select committee MPs said.

But the committee cannot veto her appointment if the education secretary wants to force it through.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said she was the “best person” for the job.

Mrs Morgan wrote to the cross-party select committee, saying she was “surprised and disappointed” but remained “wholeheartedly in support of Amanda as the best person for this crucial role”.

The current Ofsted boss, Sir Michael Wilshaw, steps down at the end of the year.

Source: Ofsted’s next head, Amanda Spielman, rejected by MPs – BBC News

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4 thoughts on “MPs reject Thicky Nicky’s preferred choice as new head of Ofsted”

Dez July 7, 2016 at 2:31 pm

Another Hunt lookalike. If at first you do not suceed get someone in via the backdoor who is a Nicky acadamy clone…no one will notice…or care. Us Cons we get away with just about anything these days.