The Secretary of State for Education has approved the appointment of Shan Scott as Chief Schools Adjudicator.
Ms Scott has served as an adjudicator for 3 years and brings with her a wide range of educational knowledge and experience.
She has been appointed for a 3-year period, with effect from 4 April 2016, and takes over from Dr Elizabeth Passmore, who has retired.
The Office of the Schools Adjudicator (OSA) helps to clarify the legal position on admissions policies in schools. Its other responsibilities include settling disputes about school organisation proposals.
The schools adjudicators work independently from the Department for Education but are appointed by the Secretary of State for Education.