§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many of Her Majesty's inspectors of schools in England (a) have had no experience of teaching in schools, (b) have had experience of teaching in primary schools and (c) do not possess a specific degree or diploma in education.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe overwhelming majority of Her Majesty's inspectors are appointed on the basis of a sound academic background and proven success as teachers in schools or establishments of further and higher education. As Her Majesty's inspectors are appointed in mid-career, many have taught successfully in a number of different phases of the education service. In exceptional cases, Her Majesty's inspectors with a non-teaching background may be appointed on the basis of experience in other aspects of education which the inspectorate considers necessary to have within its numbers. The Department does not maintain in readily accessible form records of all the previous education and employment of Her Majesty's inspectors. The detailed information requested could thus only be provided at disproportionate cost.