Chief Inspectors of Schools (Hansard, 23 February 1994)

§ Mr. Spearing
To ask the Secretary of State for Education which of Her Majesty's chief inspectors of schools—England—who have been in office since 1979 have had no experience(a) professionally in a primary or secondary school or (b) in another professional post in education; and what requirements he is making in respect of both the above in the appointment of the chief inspector due to take office on 1 September.

§ Mr. Robin Squire
Between 1979 and 31 August 1992 when HMI were part of this Department, three people—Sheila Browne, Professor Eric Bolton and Dr. Terence Melia—held the post of senior chief inspector (England). The Education (Schools) Act 1992 created a new statutory office-holder, Her Majesty's chief inspector of Schools (England) and Professor Stewart Sutherland was appointed to head his own department, the Office for Standards in Education, which opened on 1 September 1992.
All four had held professional posts in higher or further education. Professor Bolton had held a teaching post in a secondary school.
Professor Sutherland has given notice of his intention to resign from 1 September 1994. The public advertisement for the post states that Professor Sutherland's successor will be expected to have a good understanding of developments in education but experience of working in education is not a necessary requirement.

§ Mr. Spearing
To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will state the names, current positions and the relevant experience of the panel of persons, or the person, who will make a final recommendation concerning(a) the short list and (b) the appointment of the next chief inspector of schools—England.

§ Mr. Robin Squire
A selection board will meet shortly to draw up a shortlist and interview candidates for the post 259W of Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools in England with a view to making a recommendation to my right hon. Friend. The appointment is made by Her Majesty in Council.
The board will consist of: Mrs. A. E. Bowtell, First Civil Service Commissioner Sir Timothy Lankester, KCB, Permanent Secretary, Department for Education Sir Ron Dearing, CBE, Chairman, School Curriculum and Assessment Authority Mr. S. Kalms, Chairman, Dixons Group plc and Chairman of the Trust of Dixons CTC in Bradford Mr. J. C. Hedger, Deputy Secretary, Department for Education