11 January 2002
Education Secretary Estelle Morris announced on January 7 that she will recommend David Bell, chief executive of Bedfordshire County Council, to the Privy Council for the post of chief inspector of schools in England.
If the recommendation is approved next month, Bell will replace Mike Tomlinson as head of England's education watchdog. Tomlinson retires from the £115,000 a year post on April 30.
Unlike his predecessor, who was second in command to Chris Woodhead, Bell has never worked at Ofsted.
The former head teacher has served as director of education and libraries at Newcastle City Council.
He was also responsible for the city's scheme for devolving funding to schools during his time as the council's assistant director of education. The 42-year-old has served as chief executive at Bedfordshire for two years.
Morris said of her appointee: 'I am delighted to recommend David Bell for this challenging role. With his track record and extensive knowledge, [He] is the right person to help us lead education in an increasingly competitive world.'
In a letter to county council members and employees Bell said: 'I hope that my appointment will reflect well on Bedfordshire. I will watch with interest developments here, not least because I will continue to be a resident of the county using many of its services on a regular basis.'
Philip Hendry, the leader of Bedfordshire County Council, said that the authority's loss would be 'Ofsted's gain'.
PFjan2002
