Ofsted accused of ‘marking own homework’ in review

THE sister of Ruth Perry has accused Ofsted of “marking its own homework”, after a former chief inspector was appointed to lead the review into the headteacher’s suicide.

Mrs Perry took her own life after Ofsted downgraded her school, Caversham primary in Reading, from its highest rating to lowest in November 2022.

In December, a coroner ruled the “rude and intimidating” visit from a schools watchdog inspector “likely contributed to her death”.

Prof Julia Waters, Mrs Perry’s sister, said she and her family welcomed the independent review into Ofsted’s response. Prof Waters said they would need reassurances that Dame Christine Gilbert, a former head of Ofsted, who is leading the review, could give an impartial assessment.

“Given that Dame Christine Gilbert is a former head of Ofsted, we and others will need to be convinced that she has the necessary independence of perspective that task,” she said.

“The review needs to be rigorous and explore Ofsted’s systems, practices and culture in depth if it is to learn the lessons required to lead to significant change. I hope we get that assurance, and I hope she can do what is needed.”

Prof Waters added: “It could feel a bit like Ofsted has set its own homework and has got an old friend to mark it.

“I hope that isn’t the case. Only a truly independent and deep inquiry will be able to reassure my family, and teachers, parents and others, that Ofsted is serious about change.”

She recognised that the review should not drag on unnecessarily, but called for Dame Christine to interpret the scope of the case in a way that “provides opportunity to properly review what Ofsted does and how it can improve”.

Sir Martyn Oliver, the chief inspector of Ofsted, said he was grateful to Dame Christine for agreeing to lead the review, with her “wealth of experience”.