On Tuesday 21 March 2023, NAHT was asked to help share a statement from Prof Julia Waters with the media, on behalf of Ruth Perry's family.

That statement is as follows:

“Ruth was a kind, dedicated, highly regarded headteacher of a happy, successful, popular primary school. Teaching had been her passion and vocation for 32 years. Under intolerable pressure from external scrutiny, she took her own life on 8 January 2023, leaving her family devastated.

“We are aware that the Berkshire coroner has yet to conclude an inquest into the circumstances, and that the reasons behind someone’s taking their own life are never simple. Nevertheless, we are in no doubt that Ruth’s death was a direct result of the pressure put on her by the process and outcome of an Ofsted inspection at her school.

“We do not for an instant recognise Ofsted’s ‘inadequate’ judgement as a true reflection of Ruth’s exemplary leadership or of the wonderful school she led selflessly for twelve years. We think some of the conclusions drawn by Ofsted inspectors were sensationalist and drawn from scant evidence, such as gaps in record-keeping and typical childish behaviour. In our opinion, the findings of Ofsted were disproportionate, unfair and, as has tragically been proven, deeply harmful in their (implied) focus on one individual.

“No doubt the Ofsted inspectors did not mean to cause any harm. We are sure they were only doing their job as best they could under the appalling system that is in place. It is this fatally flawed system which is at fault.

“Ruth was a force for good in life, and she had so much more to offer the world. Her death is a tragedy that will never leave us. From our experiences of losing a loved family member to suicide, we can attest that taking your own life is always, always the worst possible option. Whatever happens now, those who knew and loved Ruth will be poorer for her absence for the rest of our lives.

“Our only hope is that Ruth’s sudden, appalling death will be the last to occur as a result of the intolerable pressures caused by the Ofsted system. It is the firm view of Ruth’s family, friends and colleagues that the entire Ofsted system must urgently be reviewed and changed, to place the welfare of teaching staff, as well as of schoolchildren, at its heart.

“Following the inquest, which is due to take place later this year, we very much hope that recommendations will be made to prevent further tragedies from occurring. In the meantime, we support anyone who cares about education in this country and wishes to drive forward rapid, far-reaching change to Ofsted’s punitive regime. School inspections should be a welcome and positive contribution to improve standards in education. But for this to happen, they need massive reform. They need to be genuinely supportive and so to safeguard the health and wellbeing of hard-working, talented, altruistic headteachers and staff. This is a vital part of ensuring the best educational environment for children, who are of course everyone’s priority, as they were for Ruth.

“Following the publication of the Ofsted report, we, Ruth’s family, felt we had to speak out through the media. However, we and many others are still grieving Ruth’s loss. We ask that the privacy of our family be respected as we continue to come to terms with our grief.

“We also ask that everyone who talks or writes about this issue is mindful of the serious impact that their words may have on others who may be vulnerable. We would urge anyone who is affected by these issues to talk about it and seek help. The Samaritans offer a superb listening service 24 hours a day for individuals, and lifesaving advice to schools and members of the media who have to respond to cases of suicide.”