The appointment of Sir Hamid Patel as the interim chair of Ofsted, the UK’s education watchdog, has sparked controversy, particularly among right-wing groups. Critics have raised concerns about his background as a Mufti and religious scholar, questioning whether his views align with British secular values, particularly on issues like free speech and LGBTQ+ rights. However, supporters argue that much of the opposition is rooted in prejudice against his race and religion rather than his qualifications.
As the Chief Executive of Star Academies Trust, Patel oversees a diverse network of schools, including both Islamic and Christian institutions. His appointment marks the first time a leader from a religious school has taken this role, fueling broader discussions about the role of religion in public education in the UK. He will serve as Ofsted’s interim chair for up to five months, replacing Dame Christine Ryan, who stepped down in November.
Who is Mufti Hamid Patel?
Sir Hamid Patel was born in the UK to parents who migrated from Bharuch, Gujarat, in the late 1970s. Originally aspiring to be a footballer, he instead pursued a career in education and became a qualified Mufti and Islamic scholar.
In 2010, he became the Chief Executive of Star Academies, formerly known as the Tauheedul Education Trust. Under his leadership, the trust expanded to over 34 schools, many serving underprivileged communities and consistently achieving high Ofsted ratings.
Star Academies’ schools have gained national recognition for their academic excellence. In 2024, three of its schools ranked among the top 10 for Progress 8 scores, and in 2023, five of its schools were in England’s top 10 for GCSE performance. Tauheedul Girls’ School in Blackburn was named State Faith Secondary School of the Year 2025 by The Sunday Times. Other high-achieving institutions within the trust include The Olive Schools in Bolton, Small Heath, and Blackburn, as well as Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy in Birmingham.
