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FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Caversham primary school - Caught on Camera

‘A life-and-death matter’: understanding how Ofsted inspections risk suicidal thoughts in teachers

Ofsted, the schools inspectorate in England, was the subject of a UK parliamentary inquiry after the death by suicide of Ruth Perry, headteacher of Caversham Primary school in Berkshire, in 2023. The coroner’s report had concluded that Perry’s death was “suicide, contributed to by an Ofsted inspection”.

The Conversation

New-look Ofsted report cards for schools to be given to parents from November

Schools in England will be graded across different areas – including attendance and inclusion – using a colour-coded five-point scale.

The Independent UK

Controversial ex-Ofsted chief warns against ‘vilifying’ public bodies

Baroness Amanda Spielman said it can be ‘easy’ to label decision-makers as ‘soulless and unfair’ in her maiden speech in the House of Lords.

The Independent UK

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‘Poisonous cocktail of pressures’ on headteachers as school leaders seek help for mental health

National Association of Head Teachers poll comes following death of headteacher Ruth Perry, as coroner concluded Ofsted inspection “likely contributed” to her suicide

The Independent UK

Handwritten notes reveal Ruth Perry’s anguish as coroner concludes Ofsted inspection contributed to suicide

Ms Perry’s death sparked an outcry among headteachers and led to widespread calls for Ofsted to revamp its one-word school ratings system

The Independent UK

Ruth Perry ‘amazed’ more heads did not kill themselves, inquest hears

Hearing into death of Caversham primary school head was also told she thought Ofsted inspections were ‘inhumane’

The Guardian - UK

Headteacher's GP tells inquest Ofsted inspection contributed to her death

The inquest heard that following the Ofsted inspection, Ms Perry spoke to her local GP, as well as local mental health services.

Evening Standard

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Ruth Perry told husband Ofsted inspector was ‘bully’ with ‘agenda’ – inquest

Mrs Perry’s family say she took her own life after a report from the watchdog downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading.

The Independent UK

Ofsted inspector ‘sniggered’ in meeting with headteacher Ruth Perry – inquest

Ms Perry’s family say she took her own life after a report from the watchdog downgraded the rating of her Caversham Primary School in Reading.

The Independent UK

Inquest to begin into death of headteacher Ruth Perry

Ms Perry’s family say she took her own life after an Ofsted report downgraded her Caversham Primary School from its highest rating to its lowest.

The Independent UK

Family of headteacher who killed herself after Osfted report forced to crowdfund for inquest

An inquest into Ruth Perry’s death will begin on Tuesday.

The Independent UK

Headteacher who took her own life contacted mental health crisis team after Ofsted downgraded school

Ruth Perry died on 8 January after Caversham Primary School in Reading was downgraded to inadequate by Ofsted

The Independent UK

Headteacher Ruth Perry was in touch with mental health crisis team after her school was downgraded by Ofsted

Ruth Perry died on 8 January after Caversham Primary School in Reading was downgraded to inadequate by Ofsted

The Independent UK

School run by headteacher who took her own life after Ofsted report now rated as good

Caversham Primary School in Reading, Berkshire, was rated as inadequate in leadership and management earlier this year, but a new inspection found it to be good

Daily Mirror

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The Independent UK

No ‘reason to doubt’ school inspection after death of headteacher – Ofsted chief

Ruth Perry, who was headteacher at Caversham Primary School in Reading, took her own life in January while waiting for an Ofsted report.

Manchester Evening News

Manchester Ofsted inspector quits in protest after death of teacher and brands watchdog "inadequate"

"I have increasingly felt that Ofsted is no longer achieving its mission of ‘raising standards, improving lives’. "

Manchester Evening News

A hundred Salford heads accuse Ofsted of running regime of "fear and humiliation" after death of teacher

"It is unacceptable that the pressure of an impending inspection or the outcome should make committed professionals ill or worse."

The Independent UK

Ofsted needs to look at inadequate ratings following inspections, Gove says

It comes after Ruth Perry, who was headteacher at Caversham Primary School in Reading, killed herself in January while waiting for an Ofsted report.

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Daily Mirror

Headteacher killed herself over Ofsted 'inadequate' verdict a day after daughter's 18th

Lucy Woodward has spoken about the suicide of head teacher mum Carol, who took her own life following a damning Ofsted inspection eight years ago like tragic Ruth Perry

Daily Mirror

Ex-teacher says ‘we miss funerals for Ofsted inspections’ at vigil for head Ruth Perry

Ruth, who was head at Caversham Primary School in Reading, killed herself in January while waiting for an Ofsted report which gave her school the lowest possible rating

Daily Mirror

Sister of head who killed herself over bad Ofsted report wants watchdog's power destroyed

The sister of a head teacher who committed suicide after a report from Ofsted has demanded the watchdog's power be destroyed. Ruth Perry, 53, killed herself after the report from the education watchdog downgraded Caversham Primary School, in Reading

Evening Standard

OPINION - The Leader Podcast: Why there is growing pressure on Ofsted

There’s growing pressure on Ofsted, the UK’s schools watchdog, to change how it carries out inspections and reports, in the wake of the death of a headteacher in Reading.

The Independent UK

Schools remove references to Ofsted in protest over Ruth Perry death

Headteachers plan protests during Ofsted inspections, including wearing black clothing and armbands

The Independent UK

Schools remove Ofsted references from websites in solidarity with Ruth Perry

Unions are calling for urgent reform of the inspection system after headteacher Ms Perry took her own life while waiting for a negative report.

Manchester Evening News

Teachers blast Ofsted's 'toxic inspections' after headteacher took her own life while waiting for report

Ruth Perry's family say she took her own life as a 'direct result of pressure' she was under due to an inspection at her school

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