Heather Fearn, a self-described “conservative teacher” has been appointed Ofsted’s new lead for inspector curriculum and professional development.

This follows Ofsted’s decision to include a number of traditional-leaning teachers and educationists in its curriculum-advisory group earlier this year.

Ms Fearn will join the watchdog’s education-policy team from 1 January. Ofsted has said that her role will involve “ensuring that the content of the training, mentoring and coaching available to inspectors across the education remits helps them prepare for the new education inspection framework 2019”.

Previously, Ms Fearn worked as executive vice-principal and curriculum director at Thetford Academy, part of the Inspiration Trust.

She has written blogs for the Conservative Education Society with titles such as “Why I’m a conservative teacher” and “I’m not quite in favour of grammar schools BUT…”

Ofsted’s curriculum advisory group recently included Anna Trethewey, deputy director of thinktank LKMco, Christine Counsell, director of education at Inspiration Trust, and Daisy Christodoulou, known for her traditionalist views on education.

Ofsted has been contacted for comment.

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