Exam crisis: Australian who took the job nobody had wanted

Ken Boston, the tough-talking Australian who now heads the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, infuriated schools yesterday with his uncompromising verdict on the A-level marking debacle.

Dr Boston, 60, has a strong record in vocational education and training in Australia but his appointment as head of the Government's exam watchdog surprised many in the education world.

When he was appointed in May, Dr Boston could not have imagined that he was about to walk into the biggest row to hit the exams system in years.

Although he is only seven days into his new job, the post had been vacant since September of last year when his predecessor, David Hargreaves, stepped down earlier than expected.

When his appointment was announced, headteachers commented that it showed ministers were unable to find anybody in this country prepared to take the job.

Australian teachers' leaders describe him as "someone who calls a spade a spade" and say he is unlike to tolerate obfuscation by officials.

He was previously managing director of technical and further education, and director general of education and training, for the New South Wales state government in Australia.

His previous positions include director general of education in South Australia and general manager of educational planning and policy for the state of Victoria.

In 2001 Dr Boston was appointed an Officer to the Order of Australia, for services to education and training.

He is a fellow and former president of the Australian College of Education, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.