Smashing ceilings and transforming lives: The story of Sir Hamid Patel
Appointment of Sir Hamid Patel as interim chair of Ofsted is a landmark moment for British Muslims
LONDON (MNTV) – Sir Hamid Patel’s appointment as the first Muslim chair of Ofsted, the UK’s education regulator, marks a significant milestone, not just in his career but for the representation of British Muslims in public life.
Patel, who took on the role in an interim capacity in March, has long been a transformative figure in education.
His journey is one of breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity.
As the chief executive of Star Academies, Patel oversees a network of 36 schools across England. What began in 2010 with a few Muslim faith schools in Blackburn has grown into one of the country’s highest-performing multi-academy trusts, encompassing both faith-based and secular institutions.
His ethos of “transforming lives through education” has guided the trust’s evolution, focusing on providing high-quality education to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Patel’s work in education began in the early 2000s when he sought to improve literacy and numeracy for South Asian taxi drivers in Blackburn, running midnight courses to fit their schedules.
In 2006, he became the headteacher of Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School, a position that led to the establishment of Star Academies.
Under Patel’s leadership, Star Academies has consistently delivered outstanding results.
His innovative approach was evident when the trust took over struggling state schools, turning them around.
Notably, Heysham High School in Lancashire, placed under special measures in 2017, earned a “good” rating from Ofsted by 2020.
Despite his accolades, including a knighthood in 2021, Patel’s achievements have been marred by challenges.
His appointment as Ofsted chair was met with Islamophobic abuse on social media, a reflection of the prejudice faced by British Muslims in public roles.
Patel has chosen not to publicly respond, focusing instead on his work.
A staunch advocate for addressing systemic barriers, Patel has often highlighted issues beyond schools, such as inadequate mental health services, underfunded youth programs, and limited support for families.
His vision is rooted in providing equal opportunities, ensuring that education becomes a tool for societal change.
“Everything starts with education,” Patel remarked in a 2023 interview.
His story is one of determination and a commitment to empowering others through learning, making him a trailblazer in British education.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
