Sir Michael, currently Executive Principal of Mossbourne Academy in London, is expected to take up the post in January 2012. This will follow a pre-appointment hearing in front of the Education Select Committee and approval by the Privy Council.
Sir Michael has a long and distinguished career in education. He has worked as a teacher for 42 years, including 25 years as a headteacher in London secondary schools and was knighted in 2000 for services to education.
Sir Michael has turned around some of the most challenging schools in some of the most deprived parts of London. Under his leadership, Mossbourne Academy – which opened on the site of a failing school – has seen 82% of pupils receive five good including English and maths this year, Ofsted rated it ‘outstanding' in two consecutive inspections and eight pupils were offered places at Oxbridge this year.
Sir Michael has said that he wants to challenge schools to do better, “ to provide consistently high quality provision” because the UK is falling behind comparable nations in international league tables.
He told the Guardian earlier this month, "I was shocked to read that only 4% of schools are judged outstanding in teaching, yet 20% are outstanding overall … Have we gone for the soft option too often? Yes we have. At 15, we're two years behind China in maths. We as a nation should be alarmed."
Speaking about Sir Michael, Education Secretary, Michael Gove said, “I cannot think of a better person to lead Ofsted than Sir Michael Wilshaw. He is one of the best educators of his generation.”
“Sir Michael has transformed the fortunes of thousands of children during his time as a headteacher. He truly understands what success looks like and knows how to achieve it – even in the most challenging circumstances. This role will allow more heads, teachers and other professionals to be influenced by this talented and inspirational leader.”
New shadow education secretary, Stephen Twigg, said he was delighted with the appointment, "Sir Michael's record and the achievements of Mossbourne Academy show what can be done not just with the right structures, but also with a focus on rigorous standards, quality teaching and discipline."
