The Education (Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales) Order 2025

Published: Fri 12th Dec 25 Comes into force: Fri 1st Jan 27

Made under: Education Act 2005

The Order appointed Owen Evans as the Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales for five years starting January 1st, 2027, and revoked the previous 2021 Order on that date.

This Order, issued by the King in Council on December 10th, 2025, under the authority of the Education Act 2005, officially appoints Owen Evans as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales for a five-year term beginning on January 1st, 2027, while simultaneously revoking the Education (Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales) (No. 2) Order 2021 on the same date.

Arguments For

Ensures continuity of leadership for education and training inspection functions in Wales by formally appointing a Chief Inspector.
Utilizes existing powers conferred by the Education Act 2005 to manage key appointments within the Welsh education governance structure.
Provides a clear transition by revoking the previous 2021 Order, ensuring the legal framework for the Chief Inspector role is current.

Arguments Against

The Order mandates a five-year appointment, which restricts flexibility in responding to potential future strategic changes in Welsh education oversight.
While appointing a specific individual may offer stability, it bypasses potential open recruitment processes that could introduce new perspectives or expertise.
Implementing the change requires administrative effort to cease an existing statutory instrument (the 2021 Order) and enact this new one.

At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 10th day of December 2025

Present,

The King’s Most Excellent Majesty in Council

This heading establishes the official context of the legislation, noting that the decision was made by The King in Council at Buckingham Palace on December 10th, 2025.

His Majesty, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 19(1) of the Education Act 2005 is pleased, by and with the advice of His Privy Council, to order as follows:

This establishes the legal basis for the Order, stating that His Majesty is enacting these provisions based on the powers granted under section 19(1) of the Education Act 2005, following advice from the Privy Council.

Citation and commencement

This Order may be cited as the Education (Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales) Order 2025 and comes into force on 1st January 2027.

Section 1 provides the official title for this statutory instrument.

It also stipulates the commencement date, meaning the provisions within this Order will formally take effect on January 1st, 2027.

Appointment of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales or Prif Arolygwr Ei Fawrhydi dros Addysg a Hyfforddiant yng Nghymru

Owen Evans is appointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales or Prif Arolygwr Ei Fawrhydi dros Addysg a Hyfforddiant yng Nghymru for a period of 5 years commencing on 1st January 2027.

Section 2 names the appointee, Owen Evans, for the position of Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales (including the Welsh title).

This appointment is set for a duration of five years, beginning on January 1st, 2027.

Revocation

The Education (Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales) (No. 2) Order 2021 is revoked on 1st January 2027.

Section 3 cancels a previous piece of legislation, specifically 'The Education (Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales) (No. 2) Order 2021.' The repeal takes effect on the same date the new Order commences, marking a clean administrative transition.

EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Order)

This Order appoints Owen Evans as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales or Prif Arolygydd Ei Fawrhydi dros Addysg a Hyfforddiant yng Nghymru for a period of 5 years commencing on 1st January 2027. The Education (Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales) (No. 2) Order 2021 is revoked on 1st January 2027.

The Explanatory Note clarifies that it is informational and not legally binding text of the Order.

It summarizes that the Order appoints Owen Evans for a five-year term starting January 1st, 2027, and confirms the revocation of the 2021 Order on that date.

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