David Bell is the right person to help us lead education in an increasingly competitive world

Estelle Morris

If the proposal is approved by the Privy Council, Mr Bell will take over in April from the current chief inspector, Mike Tomlinson, who is retiring.

Mr Bell, a former primary head teacher, is currently chief executive of Bedfordshire County Council.

He has extensive knowledge of education services, having served as director of education and libraries for Newcastle City Council.

'Talented'

Head of education for local authorities, Graham Lane, said Mr Bell was a good man for the job and he looked forward to working with him.

"He's very talented and he understands not just the education world, but also the rest of local government," said Mr Lane.

"I imagine he'll be a popular choice with the unions because he's been a teacher and a head and he knows how schools run.

"He also confident and knowledgeable enough to be his own man and he won't be swayed by any spin doctor in Downing Street," he said.

'Convincing history'

Nigel de Gruchy, general secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers said Mr Bell had a convincing history in education administration and leadership.

The unions did not appreciate the style of former Ofsted boss Chris Woodhead

"From that point of view, we would welcome his appointment and wish him well but will judge him on what he does rather than his words or his history."

Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said the union wished him well in the post.

And, in an attack on the robust style of the former chief inspector, Chris Woodhead, Mr McAvoy added: "We hope he carries on the style of his immediate predecessor and doesn't revert to the confrontational approach adopted by a former chief inspector."

'Challenge'

Ms Morris said she was delighted to recommend David Bell for the "challenging role".

Mike Tomlinson was more popular than his predecessor Chris Woodhead

"We have made huge progress in raising standards in primary and secondary schools. But I know there is much more to achieve.

"With his track record and extensive knowledge, David Bell is the right person to help us lead education in an increasingly competitive world," she said.

She thanked the current chief inspector, Mike Tomlinson, for the contribution he had made.

"His integrity and passion for learning have helped us raise standards. I wish him well for the future," she said.