Ofsted has appointed Sir Hamid Patel, the leader of a religious school, as its chairman, marking a first for the education watchdog. Sir Hamid, the chief executive of the Star Academies Trust, will temporarily fill the position until a permanent replacement is found. He has been on Ofsted's board since 2019 and has been praised for leading some of the best schools in England. The National Secular Society has expressed support for Sir Hamid as long as he upholds principles of equality, regardless of sex and religion or belief.