Ruth Perry’s GP tells inquest Ofsted inspection ‘contributed to her death’

Ruth Perry’s GP told her inquest that the Ofsted inspection ‘contributed to her death’ (Picture: PA)

Headteacher Ruth Perry’s GP has told her inquest that the Ofsted inspection of her school contributed to her death.

Ms Perry’s family say she took her own life after a report from the watchdog downgraded Caversham Primary School, in Reading, from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns.

Following the Ofsted inspection, Ms Perry spoke to her local GP Dr Tom Back, as well as contacting local mental health services.

Speaking at the inquest at Berkshire Coroner’s Office in Reading today, he said Ms Perry spoke to two GPs in the weeks after the inspection.

Dr Back said he had known Ms Perry for years, and that she had no history of mental illness, except for one visit to the GP around 30 years ago over stress.

When asked by senior coroner Heidi Connor about if there was a link between the Ofsted inspection and Ms Perry’s mental health deterioration and death, he replied: ‘Yes, I think there is a link.’

Teachers nearby have protested Ofsted after her death (Picture: PA)

The GP revealed the Ofsted inspection ‘led ‘contributed’ to her death (Picture: Shutterstock)

He later added the inspection contributed ‘in a more than minimal way’ to Ms Perry’s death.

Her sister, Professor Julia Waters, previously said Ms Perry had experienced the ‘worst day of her life’ after inspectors reviewed the school on November 15 and 16 last year.

Earlier this week, school staff told the court heard how there was a ‘direct link’ between Ofsted’s inspection of the school and Ms Perry’s death.

The court also heard more from Ms Perry’s husband, Jonathan Perry. In a statement, he described Ms Perry’s final weeks following the Ofsted inspection.

He said: ‘She kept repeating that she had let everyone down. She worried that local house prices would fall and that the whole community would be angry at her.’

Mr Perry said his wife was very depressed and anxious over the rest of the term, and felt ‘completely devastated’, but she did not feel that she was allowed to talk about the inspection with anyone, due to maintaining confidentiality about the result.

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He later added the inspection contributed ‘in a more than minimal way’ to her death.