Concerns over new Ofsted boss

OUTWOOD Grange Academies Trust - which runs more than 40 schools, mostly in Yorkshire and Teesside takes pride in taking under-performing institutions in areas of high deprivation and transforming them.

- ROB PARSONS

Its approach has clearly been noted by senior politicians as its CEO Sir Martyn Oliver is now set to be the next chief inspector of the watchdog Ofsted after being chosen by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.

But the trust's policies it says 'where behaviour is poor, it is right that we take action' - are opposed by many.

And, as the Sunday Times reported last weekend, Outwood Grange schools have been criticised for excluding pupils and strict zero-tolerance behaviour policies.

Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: "Ministers have been quick to heap praise on Outwood Grange Academies Trust but many of us in the North, who see how they operate, have severe concerns...