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Education Secretary Michael Gove yesterday announced the reappointment of Amanda Spielman for a further 5 years. 

Amanda Spielman was first appointed as the Chair of Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) in 2011.

Michael Gove said:

Throughout her tenure, Amanda has proven to be a respected chair of theOfqual board, ensuring that Ofqual has been a strong regulator, driving up standards in exams and increasing confidence in the system. Under her guidance Ofqual has retained its focus and rigour, making sure that our examinations push pupils to reach their full potential, and I am delighted she will be continuing as chair.

Amanda Spielman said:

I am delighted and honoured to be continuing my role as Ofqual Chair. Over the past 3 years we have seen Ofqual develop and grow as an organisation, while working hard to tackle important issues such as grade inflation and quality of marking, not to mention moving forward with the reforms to GCSEs and A levels.

The next few years look set to be equally, if not even more, important forOfqual. As we continue reform for GCSEs and A levels, Ofqual will play a vital role in ensuring that the qualifications we regulate are among the best in the world and properly prepare people for their next steps in employment or education.

The Education Secretary also confirmed the reappointment of 3 Ofqualboard members: Neil Watts and Tim Balcon, who will serve a further 3 years, and Ray Coughlin, who will serve 1 additional year on the board.

Notes to editors:

• Ofqual was established in 2010 following 2 years operating in an interim form. It regulates qualifications, exams and assessments in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. It ensures that children, young people and adult learners achieve the results their work deserves and that standards are safeguarded.

• Appointments to the Ofqual board are public appointments. All such appointments are made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for such appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public together with any other relevant information. No political activity has been declared.

• The Ofqual board now consists of: Chair Amanda Spielman, Chief Regulator Glenys Stacey, Julius Weinberg, Tim Balcon, Ray Coughlin, Philip Fletcher, Maggie Galliers, Neil Watts, Barnaby Lenon, Anne Heal, Roger Taylor, Tom Taylor, Dana Ross-Wawrzynski, and Mike Cresswell.