Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

"NAHT welcome the appointment of Dame Christine Gilbert as Ofsted chair. Dame Christine’s independent learning review published last year raised a series of serious concerns about the governance, performance and transparency of Ofsted and we are pleased that she will now have the opportunity to address those personally. Dame Christine has a wealth of experience in the field of inspection and has shown a willingness to provide clear and constructive challenge to Ofsted. It is critical that the Ofsted board under Christine is now allowed to exercise the crucial leadership role required of it and provide the strategic oversight and direction that has been so clearly lacking."