Sir Hamid Patel’s appointment as interim chair of Ofsted, the UK’s education watchdog, has ignited severe backlash, particularly from right-wing groups.
Critics have raised concerns about his background as a Mufti and religious figure, suggesting potential conflicts with British secular values, especially on topics like free speech and LGBTQ+ rights. However, many argue that the backlash stems more from prejudice against Patel’s race and religion than from his qualifications.
As the Chief Executive of Star Academies Trust, Patel oversees a network of schools that include both Islamic and Christian institutions.
His appointment marks the first time a leader from a religious school has taken on this role, sparking broader discussions about the role of religion in public education in the UK. Patel will serve for up to five months, filling the position left by Dame Christine Ryan, who announced her departure in November.
Who is Mufti Hamid Patel?
Born and raised in Britain to parents who migrated from Bharuch, Gujarat, in the late 1970s, Patel grew up in a family of five siblings. A qualified Mufti and Islamic scholar, he initially aspired to be a footballer but began his career as a teacher.
In 2010, he became the Chief Executive of Star Academies, formerly Tauheedul Education Trust. Under his leadership, the trust expanded to manage over 34 schools, many of which serve socially deprived communities and consistently achieve high ratings from Ofsted.
In 2024, three Star Academy schools ranked among the top 10 for Progress 8, and in 2023, five of its schools were in England’s top 10 for GCSE performance. The trust’s Tauheedul Girls’ School in Blackburn was named State Faith Secondary School of the Year 2025 by “The Sunday Times”. Other high-performing schools include The Olive School in Bolton, The Olive School in Small Heath, The Olive School in Blackburn, and Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy in Birmingham.
