Ruth Perry: Devastated family blame headteacher's death on 'deeply harmful' pressure of Ofsted inspection

The sister of a headteacher who took her own life after a critical Ofsted report has said her death was the "direct result" of the pressure put on her by the "deeply harmful" inspection.

Ruth Perry, of Caversham Primary School in Reading, killed herself in January while waiting for the assessment.

It gave the school the lowest possible rating despite being good in every category bar leadership and management, where it was judged "inadequate".

Ms Perry's sister, Professor Julia Waters, has claimed the findings were "disproportionate, unfair and, as has tragically been proven, deeply harmful in their (implied) focus on one individual".

In a statement on behalf of the family, Professor Waters they were in "no doubt" that Ms Perry's death was a "direct result of the pressure put on her by the process and outcome" of the inspection.

"Our only hope is that Ruth's sudden, appalling death will be the last to occur as a result of the intolerable pressures caused by the Ofsted system," she added.

Government backs 'hugely important' inspections

Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department that inspects schools and other education services.

The government maintains it is vital in ensuring a good and safe standard of learning across the country.

"It is a legal requirement for schools and nurseries to be inspected by Ofsted, and they have a legal duty to carry out those inspections," said a Department for Education spokesperson.

"Inspections are hugely important as they hold schools to account for their educational standards, and parents greatly rely on the ratings to give them confidence in choosing the right school for their child.

"We offer our deep condolences to the family and friends of Ruth Perry following her tragic death and are continuing to provide support to Caversham Primary School at this difficult time."

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Calls for Ofsted to be reformed

Ms Perry's family said they did not blame the inspectors themselves for her death, but said the inspection process required "massive reform".

They said inspections "need to be genuinely supportive […] to safeguard the health and wellbeing of hard-working, talented, altruistic headteachers and staff".

Ms Berry had been a "highly regarded" headteacher who taught for 32 years, they added.

Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, called for Ofsted inspections to be paused to "reflect upon the unmanageable and counter-productive stress they cause for school leaders".

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, also said the process should face "immediate review" while inspections are put on hold.

School leaders' union NAHT has also backed a pause of inspections for at least the rest of this week.

Meanwhile, a petition calling for an inquiry into the inspection of Ms Perry's school has more than 66,000 signatures.

An inquest into her death will take place at Berkshire Coroner's Court later this year.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK