Tories join calls for Ofsted grades review

CONSERVATIVE MPS have called for a review of Ofsted’s one-word grading system in the wake of an outpouring of anger from teachers following the death of Ruth Perry.

The family of Ms Perry, the head of Caversham Primary in Reading, Berks, have said she was “under intolerable pressure” when she took her own life in January. Ms Perry had been told her school would be downgraded from “outstanding” to “inadequate” following an Ofsted inspection. Members of the Commons education select committee said they would back an Mp-led inquiry into school inspections and grading after Ms Perry’s death.

Nick Fletcher, a Tory MP on the committee, said an investigation into Ofsted grades is “something we could [have] a look at”.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “Ofsted has a crucial role to play in upholding education standards and making sure children are safe in school.”