The controversial one-word Ofsted judgements for schools are here to stay despite criticism after the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry.
The grades, such as ‘outstanding’ or ‘inadequate’, had ‘significant benefits’ for parents choosing a local school for their children, according to the Government.
However, critics of the ratings system including Perry’s sister, Prof Julia Waters, have described it as ‘reductive’, ‘deeply harmful’ and ‘inhumane’.
Ruth Perry took her own life in January 2023 after her school was downgraded.
The cross-party education select committee also called for an end to the single-word judgements in January.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders’ union, NAHT, commented: ‘If we have another tragedy, that would sit firmly on the shoulders of ministers who are failing to grapple with this problem right now. We have calls from members regularly on our helpline in crisis because of inspection.’
