Glenys Stacey is to step down as chief regulator of exams watchdog Ofqual, it has been announced.
Stacey – who will leave post in February 2016 - joined Ofqual in March 2011.
In a statement, education secretary Nicky Morgan thanked Stacey for her contribution to the non-ministerial department and said that the recruitment process for a “suitable replacement” would begin shortly.
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“Glenys has an absolute commitment to ensuring that young people leave school with respected qualifications that will open the doors for their future," Morgan said. "During a time of significant reform she has brought both great insight and fastidiousness to this crucial role and our education system is much the better for it."
Explaining her decision to leave, Stacey said she believed she had achieved her original aims and that the organisation now needed a "fresh face".
"I took this job in order to establish Ofqual as a credible, effective regulator," she said.
"I have achieved that and believe the time is right now for a change in leadership.I am not retiring, and will look to use the skills I have acquired over my long career in public service."