For what is believed to be the first time, Sir Hamid Patel, the chief executive of Star Academies Trust, has been appointed interim chairman of Ofsted, the UK’s school regulator. He takes on this significant role until Dame Christine Ryan's successor is found, stepping up to lead the board amid increasing scrutiny of school inspections.
Sir Hamid Patel has been part of the Ofsted board since 2019 and has led Star Academies, which oversees close to 40 primary and secondary schools across northern England, the West Midlands, and London, since its formation in 2010. The schools managed by Star Academies include Islamic institutions, as well as Christian schools and grammar schools, with many rated highly by Ofsted.
Notably, Sir Hamid previously served as headteacher of Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School in Blackburn, where the institution undertook initiatives such as encouraging students to recite the Koran weekly and wear hijabs outside of school. Under his leadership, Tauheedul became one of the first schools to adopt practices reflective of Islamic values.
While his tenure at the school faced criticism—particularly over the hosting of Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, who has made controversial remarks about Jews—Sir Hamid has since expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing at the time, “The girls wanted to see this guy with 5 million followers. They had seen him on YouTube. He stayed 20 minutes.” No controversial remarks were made by Sheikh Sudais during the visit, according to available records.
Patel’s appointment has drawn mixed reactions, especially from organizations like the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, which highlighted the need for greater scrutiny as he takes on the pivotal role at Ofsted. The group’s representative stated, “We hope... Hamid Patel will adopt a higher degree of scrutiny than he appeared to in his previous occupation,” pointing to concerns surrounding his oversight of Muslim schools.
Regardless of the criticism, Sir Hamid has been recognized for his contributions to education, having been knighted for his service during the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2021. Insiders describe him as a balanced board member who has not resisted efforts to regulate more hardline religious schools, which indicates his commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
His leadership also highlights the challenges faced by white working-class boys within the education system, having stated, “Only one in seven white working-class boys will pass their GCSE in English and maths. That is a national disgrace.” This pointed remark showcases his awareness of the disparities within educational outcomes, positioning him as someone who understands the need for equitability across different demographics.
Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, expressed optimism about Patel's interim leadership, 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.” Oliver's endorsement suggests confidence among Ofsted’s leadership about the direction Patel will take the organization as it seeks to uphold high standards during challenging times.
Patel's appointment occurs against the backdrop of increasing criticism of Ofsted's inspection practices, prompting the organization to launch consultations to gather input from parents, school staff, and childcare professionals about potential improvements. These discussions indicate the necessity of updated strategies as institutions face new educational challenges.
Star Academies, under Patel's leadership, has also established partnerships for educational excellence, including a notable collaboration with Eton, one of Britain’s most prestigious private schools, to form six selective sixth form colleges. This partnership seeks to create pathways for disadvantaged students, broadening the educational opportunities available to them.
Patel's public stance on education incorporates ideas of inclusivity and broad engagement with communities, particularly focusing on the fears and concerns expressed by Muslims following the Birmingham 'Trojan Horse' scandal. He noted how the narrative surrounding the scandal alienated certain demographics, stating, “Trojan Horse intensified the feeling among some Muslims... Many felt expressing their faith openly would give rise to establishment suspicion.”
This reflection on the past challenges highlights Patel's desire to communicate openly around sensitive topics and adapt educational frameworks to be more inclusive rather than exclusive. He underscored the need to maintain dialogue about “fundamental British values” as schools navigate their roles amid cultural diversity.
While tensions persist surrounding faith and education, Patel advocates for collective worship within schools, stating, “Collective worship has been... critically important in all schools.” This practice, he emphasizes, provides students with opportunities to explore the healing power of faith, fundamental to educational development.
Looking forward, many anticipate Patel's leadership at Ofsted will be pivotal as he grapples with the balance of religious values and educational standards within contemporary schooling. With his experience and leadership capabilities, he stands at the forefront of shaping educational policy and practice amid diverse and complex challenges. Sir Hamid Patel's interim role will not only determine the path for Ofsted but also have lasting impacts on the educational outcomes for all students across the UK.