Ofsted will cease issuing one-word judgements on schools immediately, following a campaign led by the family of head teacher Ruth Perry to overhaul the rating system.
Ruth Perry, head of Caversham Primary in Reading, died by suicide in January 2023, two months after an inspection downgraded her school from ‘outstanding’ to ‘inadequate’. A coroner later determined that the inspection significantly impacted her mental health.
Mrs Perry’s family directly blamed Ofsted for her decline, describing her as a ‘shadow of her former self’ after the November 2022 inspection. Her death sparked widespread anger among educators, who called for changes in the inspection process.
Headteacher Ruth Perry took her own life after an Ofsted report downgraded her school from “outstanding” to “inadequate”
Did her death lead to a change in the way schools are judged?
Education Secretary @bphillipsonMP explains#KayBurley SS pic.twitter.com/5evtU8AUNZ
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) September 2, 2024
A report by former schools minister Lord Knight last November echoed these sentiments, labelling the single-word ratings as ‘erratic’ and criticising the broader system as ‘not fit for purpose’.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced that the one-word judgements will be replaced with four grades covering the sub-categories of quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership & management. Starting next September, a ‘Report Cards’ system will offer a detailed assessment of school performance.
Phillipson described the reform as a ‘landmark moment for children, parents, and teachers’, promising a more comprehensive and transparent evaluation.
The Department for Education stated that the announcement followed consultations with the sector and Mrs Perry’s family. Teachers’ unions have expressed approval of the change.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, welcomed the removal of simplistic one-word judgments, noting that the new system will focus more on supporting schools to improve rather than punitive measures.
However, Whiteman also conveyed the union’s preference for eliminating sub-judgements simultaneously.
The previous Conservative government had maintained the one-word ratings in April, citing their ‘significant benefits’. Responding to Labour’s decision, Shadow Education Secretary Damian Hinds called the grades essential for parents, while acknowledging room for system improvements.
For emotional support, the Samaritans can be reached 24/7 on 116 123, via email at [email protected], or through their website. Additionally, young people or those concerned about them can contact PAPYRUS, the Prevention of Young Suicide UK, via their HOPELINE247 at 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email [email protected].
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Telegraph reports that Ofsted’s one-word ratings for state schools are being scrapped, replaced by report cards, following pressure from teachers’ unions, with concerns about the system’s reliability and impact on school leaders’ well-being.(read more)
- Sky News reports the removal of single headline grades for state schools, introducing comprehensive report cards from September 2025. This change follows the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life after an Ofsted report downgraded her school.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Ofsted stop giving one-word judgements on schools?
Ofsted stopped one-word judgements following a campaign by Ruth Perry’s family after her death post-inspection.
What happened to Ruth Perry?
Ruth Perry, head teacher at Caversham Primary, took her life after her school was downgraded from ‘outstanding’ to ‘inadequate’.
What will replace the one-word judgements?
One-word judgements will be replaced with four grades across sub-categories like quality of education and leadership.
When will the new ‘Report Cards’ system be introduced?
‘Report Cards’ will be introduced from September next year to provide comprehensive school assessments.
How have teachers’ unions reacted to the change?
Teachers’ unions welcomed scrapping one-word judgements but preferred discarding sub-judgments simultaneously.