Sir Hamid Patel, who runs some of the best schools in the country, has been appointed to serve as interim Chair of the Ofsted Board — the first British Muslim appointed in this role.

The appointment has nonetheless drawn criticism from right-wing media and far-right groups, with many observers noting the underlying prejudice behind the backlash, which is not focussed on Patel’s qualifications but on his race and religion.

Patel will serve up to 5 months until a permanent replacement is found for Dame Christine Ryan, who announced in November that she would be stepping down this year.

On the appointment, Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, said: “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.”

So, what are Patel’s credentials?

Having been an Ofsted Board member since 2019, Patel brings substantial experience to the interim role.

He is Chief Executive of Star Academies, a hugely successful multi-academy trust that runs over 30 schools nationwide, primarily in disadvantaged areas.

Many of its schools are rated outstanding by Ofsted and rank high in performance tables. 

Three Star Academy schools are in the top 10 Schools for Progress 8 in 2024. In 2023, five Star schools were in the top 10 in England for their GCSE performance

The trust’s Tauheedul girls’ school in Blackburn was named State Faith Secondary School of the Year 2025 by The Sunday Times. The Olive School in Bolton ranked sixth highest among primary schools in the North West, while other top-performing schools include The Olive School in Small Heath, The Olive School in Blackburn, and Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy in Birmingham.

While ‘secular’ schools such as Michaela Community School get positive right-wing media coverage, observers have noted that Muslim-run schools — which outnumber other types of schools in the national top ten — fail to get any recognition.

Star Academies supporting diverse communities

Although many of Star Academies’ schools are Islamic, the trust operates with remarkable diversity, running Christian and grammar schools.

During the 2022-2023 school year, White British pupils had ‘Attainment 8’ scores (a measure of performance across eight GCSE-level qualifications) below Black and Asian students, and the national average.

Patel has previously highlighted his commitment to addressing educational inequality amongst underperforming groups. “Only one in seven white working-class will pass their GCSE in English and maths. That is a national disgrace,” he said in 2021.

The trust has also established the Star Institute to support teacher training and professional development, with three of its schools designated as Teaching School Hubs by the Department for Education.

Star Academies’ innovative approach has garnered international recognition. The Grattan Institute, an independent Australian public policy think tank, has studied its successful model and recommended similar approaches in Australia.

The academy also collaborates with Eton College on an education “think and do tank” focused on improving opportunities for young people from disadvantaged communities.

The Muslim Council of Britain welcomed the appointment and condemned the “Islamophobic attacks” directed at him.

“Sir Mufti Hamid Patel’s appointment represents a proud moment for British Muslims and indeed for Britain as a whole,” said Dr Wajid Akhter, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain.

“However, we are deeply concerned by the prejudiced attacks directed at him, which are clearly motivated by his Muslim identity. It is profoundly disappointing that such a distinguished educational leader should face bigotry simply because of his faith.

“Such Islamophobic rhetoric undermines our shared British values of fairness and equality of opportunity”.

The organisation has not been free from criticism from Muslims either, with some parents expressing concern over its close association with the establishment and the British Army.

Glowing references from experts

Setting aside the backlash from racists and Islamophobes, Patel’s appointment was warmly welcomed by educators and informed professionals

Image credit: Confederation of Schools Trust