Former head teacher named Chief Inspector of Education

A former head teacher with a passion for “achieving excellence and reducing inequalities” will be appointed as Scotland’s new Chief Inspector of Education.

Ruth Binks is the current corporate director of education, communities and organisational development at Inverclyde Council, and has previously worked as a teacher and head teacher.

She will start her new role at the end of March, with the date subject to final checks being completed and the appointment being made by an order of the King.

Ms Binks said: “My passion for achieving excellence and reducing inequalities for our young people has been at the heart of everything I have undertaken in my career to date.

“In my new role as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, I will continue to pursue this passion, striving to get the very best for every young person regardless of their background.”

The new office of HM Chief Inspector of Education Scotland includes enhanced independence.

This is due to provisions of the Education (Scotland) Act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament last year. The inspectorate provisions will come into effect in March.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Ruth has a depth of knowledge of Scottish education, both in the classroom and in a strategic leadership capacity. I’m confident that she brings the right experience to this key role.

“The new inspectorate body will have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections. The office is at the heart of the education reform programme this Government is driving forward.

“This appointment will be pivotal in our efforts to drive improvement across Scotland’s education and skills system, and to bring about the changes required to meet the needs of future generations of young people.”