For what is believed to be the first time, a religious school leader has been appointed as chairman of Ofsted.
Sir Hamid Patel, the chief executive of Star Academies Trust, will take up the interim role until a successor is found for Dame Christine Ryan at the schools regulator.
His trust oversees nearly 40 primary and secondary schools, including several Islamic institutions, a Christian school, and grammar schools, many of which are rated outstanding by Ofsted.
A Seasoned Educator
Sir Hamid has served on the Ofsted board since 2019 and has led Star Academies since its formation in 2010. Before that, he was the headteacher of Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School in Blackburn.
While in that role, the school encouraged pupils to wear a hijab outside of school and follow guidance to “recite the Koran at least once a week.” It also advised against bringing stationery featuring “un-Islamic images,” such as pictures of pop stars.
Criticism Over Past Speaker Invitation
In 2010, the school came under scrutiny after hosting Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, a Saudi cleric who had previously described Jews as “pigs” and prayed for their demise.
Discussing the visit in 2013, Sir Hamid told The Sunday Times: “The girls wanted to see this guy with 5 million followers. They had seen him on YouTube. He stayed 20 minutes.”
There is no suggestion Sheikh Sudais made controversial remarks at the school.
The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism responded to the appointment, 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.”
Since then, Star Academies has hosted speakers from Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Christian, and Islamic backgrounds.
Knighted for Services to Education
Sir Hamid was knighted in 2021 for his contributions to education and attended the King’s Coronation.
Insiders say he is a balanced board member who has not opposed efforts to regulate hardline religious schools.
Although his trust runs many Islamic schools, Sir Hamid has also championed the cause of white working-class boys.
“Only one in seven white working-class boys will pass their GCSE in English and maths. That is a national disgrace,” he said in 2020.
The National Secular Society said: “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.”
Support from Ofsted’s Chief Inspector
Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, backed the appointment, saying: “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.”
Ongoing Ofsted Scrutiny
The appointment comes as Ofsted faces criticism over its school inspections in England.
On Friday, Sir Martyn defended a new policy on report cards amid concerns from headteachers.
Meanwhile, a secondary school in Wales has come under fire for lessons urging pupils to plot illegal migration routes from Syria to the UK.
St John Lloyd School in Llanelli assigned marks to students who devised routes avoiding “all controlled borders.” Carmarthenshire Council has since launched an investigation.
By Simon James
