It is one of the most important public appointments in Scotland. The holder of the post can make a potentially life-changing difference to our young people’s future. Ensuring high standards across all our schools is at the heart of the remit. It pays up to £117,000 a year. And yet for the second time in as many years, the Scottish government cannot find anyone considered good enough to fill the role of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education.

What, one wonders, does His Majesty make of this dismal state of affairs relating to a post which, like that of the chief inspector of prisons, is nominally in the gift of the Monarch? As he appears to care about matters of public policy might there be some Kingly concern? It would be intriguing to know, though we probably never will.

More important is the fact that on the first occasion the role, along with the post of chief executive of Education Scotland, did not attract enough candidates for interviews to be held. In the latest round - as TES magazine reports - interviews were held but no-one appointed. This should be a matter of deep concern to all those who care about how Scotland’s pupils are taught.

Now some might argue the appointment does not matter. There is an interim chief executive, who is getting on with the job. According to a recent freedom of information request, 46 secondary schools were inspected between 1 August 2023, and 11 October 2024, not including ‘all through’ schools with both primary and secondary provision. The inspectors keep calling.

Others might argue there is no need for a chief inspector, or inspectors. Professionals, in this case heads and teaching........

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