This is a matter for Ofsted. HM chief inspector Christine Gilbert has written to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Library.
The policy of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is to recruit people with the experience and skills most suited to the needs of each post, and any relevant qualifications may be taken into consideration.
Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 7 December 2006:
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NUMBER 104280: INTERNATIONAL GCSE
Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for reply.
You asked whether the Office for Standards in Education recognises the International GCSE as an acceptable substitute for a GCSE for the purposes of recruitment.
I am advised that Ofsted does not specify GCSE qualifications as a prerequisite for recruitment purposes. Through our recruitment process, potential candidates are asked to demonstrate that they have the required competencies for the advertised role through a statement of suitability and the formal interview process. Some of our roles do require professional qualifications and some of our inspector vacancies are advertised as requiring a degree.
A copy of this reply has been sent to Lord Adonis, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both Houses.