William Eichler 23 August 2016

Ofsted chairman quits over ‘offensive’ remarks

The Ofsted chairman has quit his position after describing the Isle of Wight as an ‘inbred, poor, white ghetto’.

Sir Hoare made the comments earlier in the month and retracted them soon after while offering an ‘unreserved apology’ to the island and the council leader Jonathan Bacon.

‘I understand that some of my specific comments were offensive as well as being unfounded. For this I am truly sorry,’ he said.

The former chairman claimed he was attempting to ‘highlight the problem of poor educational outcomes’ in coastal communities, particularly among low-income white British children.

Responding to the news, Cllr Bacon said he had organised a visit to the Isle of Wight for Sir Hoare ‘in order to better understand, recognise and acknowledge’ the issues facing the island.

He extended the invitation to Sir Hoare’s successor.

‘I look forward to hosting them as soon as possible so that we can continue our collective ambition to drive up standards and work constructively together for the benefit of Island children,’ he said.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Triage Advisor

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £27,274 - £29,542
We’ve got an exciting opportunity for a passionate and people-focused individual to join DurhamEnable as a Triage Advisor, supporting the Connect to W Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Specialist Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £29,071- £32,046 pro rata to hours worked
We are seeking to appoint a Specialist Support Worker for d/Deaf children and young people to work mainly within our Enhanced Learning Provisions in C Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£25, 614
Temporary contract until 21st July 2027 Part Time- 7.5 hours per week. Term Time Only Required to start 01/10/2026 (or as soon as possible)   The Gove Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

X3 Enhanced Teaching Assistants

Durham County Council
£29,071- £32,046 pro rata
Hours on site may vary due to training and meeting commitments- Staff are typically expected on site 8
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager - Connected Carers Team

Durham County Council
Grade 14, £51,928 - £56,293
We are looking for a Team Manager to join our Fostering service.  In Durham we strive to keep our children within their family, if at all possible an Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner