T In her first interview since the incident, Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector of Ofsted, said she believed the findings of the inspection were “secure” and that the inspection team worked “professionally and sensitively”. Despite acknowledging the “culture of fear” surrounding Ofsted inspections, she defended the “clarity and simplicity” of the current inspection system.

he anxiety and stress experienced by Ms Perry led to her untimely death, and this tragedy raises concerns about how such inspections are carried out and their impact on the mental health of those involved. While Ofsted plays an important role in assessing the quality of education offered by schools, the current system’s stringent grading system often creates an environment of fear and anxiety among teachers and school leaders. The fear of being graded “inadequate” can lead to concerted efforts to meet the required standards, but it also places undue pressure on teachers and school leaders.

The single overall grade system used by Ofsted determines a school’s overall ranking and underscores the importance and impact of these inspections. However, the rigidity of such a system fails to take into account the complex nature of schools and their unique circumstances. Such an approach risks overlooking the positive contributions of a school and the efforts of teachers to support and develop the potential of students.

While Ms Spielman defended the current grading system, she acknowledged that schools are fearful of the inspection process, and this fear can lead to unhealthy competition among schools.