The former head of an academy chain who has been working as an adviser to Gavin Williamson is the government’s preferred candidate to be the next head of Ofqual, the TES reports.
Jo Saxton, who was the founding chief executive of Turner Schools MAT in Kent, has been chosen to become chief regulator in September to take over from Simon Lebus. Saxton has also worked as CEO of Future Academies Trust, which was set up by Lord Nash.
Dr Saxton, who taught and examined at universities in England and the US before working with schools, will now go on to attend a pre-appointment hearing before the Education Select Committee on July 6.
A profile of Dr Saxton on the Turner Schools website says her passions are the arts, history and classics. Her art book for children, “Snail Trail”, has been widely translated to reach children around the world, it says.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson said of the announcement: “I look forward to welcoming Jo Saxton to the role, whose wealth of experience makes her the ideal candidate to lead such an important organisation.
“With a deep understanding of the education system and Ofqual, she will play a vital part in upholding standards and confidence in our exams and qualifications.”