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.

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 (Pro Rata)
Permanent Contract - Part Time 10 hours per week 4.00pm to 6.00pm Monday to Friday. Whole Time. Required to start 1st August 2026.   Governors wish to Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker MHSOP

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 / £40,777- £45,091 p.a. ( pro rata for part-time) i.e. grade 9 pre progression/grade 11 post progression (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for a MHSOP Social Worker to join our Adult Care Service, supporting older people and adults with a physical disability.   WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £25,185 - £25,989 Pro rata (Pay award pending)
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a temporary (18 months) part time Clerical Officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a pr Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Technical Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4
Durham County Council
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Learning Delivery Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 7
Durham County Council
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner