Ofsted inspection contributed to the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry
The Guardian|December 08, 2023
The family of Ruth Perry have spoken out against the "brutal inhumanity" of Ofsted inspections, after a coroner ruled that it was a contributory factor in the headteacher's death by suicide.
Richard Adams
Ofsted inspection contributed to the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry

Heidi Connor, the senior coroner for Berkshire, said Perry's suicide was "contributed to by an Ofsted inspection carried out in November 2022" of the school she led.

Describing the inspection as at times "rude and intimidating", Connor concluded that "during and after this inspection Ruth's mental health deteriorated significantly" before she took her own life on 8 January 2023.

Perry had been headteacher at Caversham Primary School in Reading for 13 years when it was rated "inadequate" by inspectors. Colleagues and family members told the inquest that meetings with Ofsted inspectors left her so distressed that at times she was unable to speak.

Amanda Spielman, Ofsted's chief inspector, said in response that the organisation would halt school visits in England at the start of next week to carry out urgent training for its lead inspectors on dealing with anxiety and when to pause inspections.

Spielman also apologised to Perry's family and the community "for the distress that Mrs Perry undoubtedly experienced" from Ofsted's inspection of her school.

This story is from the December 08, 2023 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 08, 2023 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView All
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
The Guardian

Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?

What is Rachel Reeves planning?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
The Guardian

'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan

Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
The Guardian

Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak

Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
The Guardian

St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'

St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
The Guardian

Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke

Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
The Guardian

Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny

It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 15, 2024
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
The Guardian

'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'

Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack

time-read
3 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
The Guardian

Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs

A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
The Guardian

Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem

Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star

time-read
5 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
The Guardian

Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura

Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career

time-read
3 mins  |
November 15, 2024