The Education Secretary has appointed a permanent Chair of Ofqual
to take up the role for three years.
Dr Susan Tranter has been appointed as Chair of the Ofqual Board
by the Education Secretary, today (9
December).
Dr Tranter will start the three-year position in the new year,
replacing Frances Wadsworth CBE who has been serving as interim
Chair since 1 January 2024.
Secretary of State for Education, said:
High and rising standards are at the heart of the government's
mission to break down barriers to opportunity, so that we can
deliver better life chances for all children.
Susan brings over three decades of invaluable experience in
education, from the classroom to senior leadership, combined with
a deep understanding of wider system improvement.
Her proven track record of fostering excellence and fairness in
education makes her the ideal leader to guide Ofqual in
maintaining the integrity of our qualifications and ensure every
child has the opportunity to succeed.
I would also like to extend my thanks to Frances for her
dedication and leadership as interim Chair over the past year.
Her steady guidance has been instrumental in maintaining Ofqual's
vital work.
Appointed Chair, Dr Susan Tranter said:
I am delighted to join Ofqual and eager to work with the Chief
Regulator, the team and the Board to drive reforms that create
opportunities for young people through our qualifications system.
Our focus on high standards, innovation and consistency will
enable new ways to assess, refreshed programmes of study and the
growth of T Levels, apprenticeships and regulated qualifications.
It's an exciting time to lead the Board through a period of
change and progress.
Ofqual Chief Regulator, Sir Ian Bauckham CBE, said:
Dr Tranter's extensive experience and knowledge of our education
system will be a great asset to the work of Ofqual.
Ofqual is the independent body responsible for regulating
qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. It plays a
crucial role in maintaining standards and public trust in GCSEs,
A levels, and vocational and technical qualifications.
Currently the CEO and Accounting Officer of multi-academy trust,
EdAct, Dr Tranter has also served as a panel member on the
National Child Safeguarding Practice Panel since 2018, a director
of the Orchestra of Enlightenment that resides in a comprehensive
school in Camden and an expert member of Ofsted's Reference Group
(Behaviour and Attendance).
Dr Tranter was chosen for the role after an open recruitment
competition and assessment process, conducted by a panel in line
with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
