On March 11, 2025, Sir Hamid Patel stepped in as the interim chairman of Ofsted, succeeding Dame Christine Ryan after her four-and-a-half-year tenure. His appointment comes at a time when England’s education watchdog faces significant changes, prompted by a recent independent review spotlighting governance issues and calling for a more reflective, less defensive organizational culture.
Before joining Ofsted’s leadership ranks, Sir Hamid Patel served as Chief Executive of Star Academies. Under his guidance, the multi-academy trust—which operates in northern England, the West Midlands, and London—earned national recognition. Government data shows that many of the country’s top-performing schools in terms of academic progress are part of Star Academies. This success, combined with Sir Hamid’s knighthood in 2021 for services to education, underscores his commitment to bolstering student outcomes in disadvantaged communities. Originally from Blackburn, Sir Hamid left school at 16, worked in local government, and went on to run a Faith based girls’ school. His experiences, though not marked by initial academic distinction, led him to a leadership philosophy grounded in practical solutions and community engagement. This boots-on-the-ground approach as one reason to be optimistic about his interim role at Ofsted.
Sir Hamid’s appointment coincides with Ofsted’s response to the Gilbert review—an independent examination led by Dame Christine Gilbert. Triggered by the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, the review criticized Ofsted’s board for taking a hands-off approach during crises and recommended clearer, more accountable governance. As a result, Ofsted has begun consulting on new inspection models that aim to replace single-word judgments with a more nuanced report card system. The goal is to provide more detailed evaluations of school performance, reducing the negative impact that broad, simplistic labels can have on morale and public perception. While it remains to be seen how the interim chairman will influence these reforms, observers agree that any changes at Ofsted will require a balanced mix of accountability, transparency, and empathy toward educators. The five-month interim period may limit the scope of Sir Hamid’s contributions, but it also offers a chance for fresh perspectives as the watchdog navigates an evolving regulatory framework.
Much of the dialogue surrounding Sir Hamid’s appointment centers on how his hands-on leadership style might mesh with Ofsted’s new priorities—particularly its focus on addressing concerns raised in the Gilbert review. Although his track record at Star Academies shows a knack for delivering results, Ofsted operates on a broader stage, inspecting and regulating thousands of educational institutions. This larger purview may test Sir Hamid’s ability to balance local innovation with consistent national standards. Additionally, RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) teams have been introduced to support schools identified as needing improvement. Sir Hamid’s background in uplifting underperforming schools aligns well with these tailored interventions, suggesting he may help guide or refine how these teams collaborate with headteachers.
By acknowledging both the strengths and challenges of Ofsted’s current position, Sir Hamid Patel’s interim chairmanship could mark a meaningful phase of introspection and realignment for the organization. He brings proven expertise in turning around schools that face socioeconomic hurdles, a trait that may resonate with Ofsted’s increased emphasis on serving disadvantaged students.
At the same time, the scope of any transformation will depend on how Ofsted implements the Gilbert review’s recommendations and whether it can foster a more supportive culture among inspectors, educators, and communities. Sir Hamid’s role lasts just a few months, but the reforms under consideration—scrapping single-word judgments, introducing detailed report cards, and strengthening board oversight—have implications that extend well beyond his interim term.
In short, while Sir Hamid’s appointment signals a continued shift in Ofsted’s leadership, calling it “transformative” without qualification risks overstating the immediate impact. Significant change will likely hinge on how effectively the organization navigates governance challenges and reshapes inspection practices to prioritize clarity, fairness, and educational improvement.
Sir Hamid Patel’s interim appointment arrives at a complex juncture for English education. He brings a history of raising achievement levels in challenging school environments, along with firsthand experience in local governance. Whether he can effectively steer Ofsted’s evolving landscape during his brief tenure remains an open question. Yet his pragmatic leadership at Star Academies provides grounds for cautious optimism, especially as Ofsted attempts to rebuild trust and refine its inspection approach. For now, the education sector waits to see how an interim chairman with a results-driven mindset will engage with a regulator in the midst of self-examination. The true measure of this transition may not be evident until further reforms take root—long after his time at the helm concludes.
