Ofsted’s national director of inspection reform is to take the helm at a Cheshire multi-academy trust at the beginning of 2015.
Michael Cladingbowl (pictured) will step down from his post at Ofsted at the end of December and is to become the executive principal of Knutsford Multi-Academy Trust.
The trust is responsible for Knutsford Academy, for pupils in Years 7 to 9, Knutsford College and The Studio at Knutsford which both cater for Years 10 to 13.
Ofsted said he will still work on the future consultation on the new inspection frameworks.
Mr Cladingbowl said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my national role with Ofsted and being able to make a real difference to education standards in England over the last 12 years.
“I will be leaving an organisation whose standing and influence under Sir Michael’s leadership has never been higher.
“But this is the right time for me to be taking on a new challenge.
“I’m very excited to be returning to my roots in Cheshire and being more directly involved in making a difference in schools. Before that, I still have a big job to do steering through Ofsted’s forthcoming consultation on the future of education inspection.”
Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said: “Mike has made a fantastic contribution to Ofsted for over 12 years. In that time, he has held a number of very senior positions within the organisation, including being one of the pioneering Regional Directors in the North-West.
“A man of ideas, Mike has played a key role in shaping the future operating model for inspection as well as the way the routine inspection of good schools will be organised from September 2015.
“He will be much missed but I know how much he is looking forward to using the experience he has gained at Ofsted to lead an important multi-academy trust in the north-west of England to further success.
“Mike will leave Ofsted at the end of December 2014 but will continue to work on the consultation arrangements for the new inspection frameworks. I would like to put on record my deep appreciation for the support he has given me in my time as Chief Inspector.”
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