Scotland’s new chief inspector of education has been announced.
Ruth Binks, a former primary headteacher who started her career in Highland Council, will move on from her role as Inverclyde Council’s corporate director of education, communities and organisational development.
She is due to start as chief inspector at the end of March, with that date subject to final checks and the appointment being made by an order of the King.
The news comes days after it was announced that Janie McManus, who was appointed as chief inspector of education on an acting basis in November 2023, would be leading a rapid national review of additional support for learning, reporting back on 12 March.
Ms Binks said: “My passion for achieving excellence and reducing inequalities for our young people has been at the heart of everything I have undertaken in my career to date.
“In my new role as His Majesty’s chief inspector of education, I will continue to pursue this passion, striving to get the very best for every young person regardless of their background.”
Education reform
Ms Binks’ appointment marks the culmination of a long period spent attempting to recruit a newly independent chief inspector of education, a redefined role that has emerged from education reform.
Legislation passed in June 2025 was designed to split the inspection and curriculum support functions of Education Scotland. The post of Education Scotland chief executive has also been subject to several recruitment drives, with Graeme Logan currently the incumbent on an acting basis.
Reacting to today’s announcement, education secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Ruth has a depth of knowledge of Scottish education, both in the classroom and in a strategic leadership capacity. I’m confident that she brings the right experience to this key role.
“The new inspectorate body will have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections. The office is at the heart of the education reform programme this government is driving forward.”
Ms Gilruth added: “This appointment will be pivotal in our efforts to drive improvement across Scotland’s education and skills system, and to bring about the changes required to meet the needs of future generations of young people.”
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