Sir Ian Bauckham has been appointed chief regulator of Ofqual today, after just over a year in post on an interim basis.
The appointment was announced today by education secretary Bridget Phillipson.
In December 2024, the Commons Education Select Committee gave its backing to the government’s plans to appoint Sir Ian as Ofqual chief.
Sir Ian, who was previously Ofqual chair, became interim chief regulator in January 2024 after Dr Jo Saxton announced that she was stepping down.
He was selected as the preferred candidate by the previous government. This choice was reaffirmed by the education secretary after the July 2024 general election.
Ms Phillipson said: “With his vast expertise in education, Sir Ian is exceptionally suited to lead Ofqual in maintaining a system that provides all young people with high-quality, rigorous qualifications and training, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed.”
Sir Ian said: “I’m honoured to take on this permanent role, after dedicating my career to improving education and opportunities for young people.
“Qualifications are the currency of education. Ofqual, as guardian of standards, will protect their value and integrity to ensure they remain trusted by students, teachers, universities and employers alike.”
‘Rigorous assessment and stable qualifications’
He added that only through “rigorous assessment and stable qualifications can we measure education performance and highlight areas where we can improve opportunities for all students”.
Ofqual is the independent body responsible for regulating qualifications, exams and assessments in England.
Sir Ian is a former CEO of the Tenax Schools Trust. Before becoming interim chair at Ofqual, he applied to be chief inspector of Ofsted and was interviewed for the role ultimately given to Sir Martyn Oliver.
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