Ofsted has appointed a new National Director, Education with Lee
Owston stepping into the role on 1 January 2024.
Lee is currently the Deputy Director, Schools and Early Education
and will be taking over from current director Chris Russell, who
is retiring after 17 years at Ofsted. Lee comes into the role
with a wealth of experience, having previously filled the
position temporarily for several months earlier this
year.
Since joining Ofsted in 2013 as one of His Majesty’s Inspectors,
Lee has taken on various roles and made great contributions to
many areas of the organisation and education sector, including
early years, schools, teacher development and special educational
needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Before joining Ofsted, Lee held senior leadership positions in
schools, was Senior Adviser for early education and primary
schools in a local authority and was Regional Director for The
National Strategies, where he contributed to national
publications on English, phonics and assessment.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman said:
I congratulate Lee on his appointment as National Director,
Education and I know that this will be a smooth transition given
his extensive experience.
I also want to thank Chris Russell for his substantial
contributions in his time at Ofsted, as National Director,
Education, in his leadership of the post-lockdown inspection
restart programme, as a regional director and as an inspector.
