A REVIEW into the schools watchdog’s response to the death of headteacher Ruth Perry starts this month — led by a former Ofsted chief inspector.

Dame Christine Gilbert will lead the independent learning review, which was announced in January, in response to the coroner’s prevention of future deaths report from Ms Perry’s inquest.

The Reading headteacher took her own life after an Ofsted report downgraded her primary school from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns.

In December a coroner concluded the Ofsted inspection on November 15-16 2022 “likely contributed” to Ms Perry’s death.

Announcing Dame Christine’s appointment today, Ofsted said the review would not examine the inspection of Ms Perry’s school or the judgements made.

Dame Christine, who was a teacher for 18 years, served as chief inspector at Ofsted from 2006 until 2011.

School leaders’ union the NAHT and teaching union the NEU both said the review must be independent and impartial.

They noted a concern some might have that it is being led by a former Ofsted chief.

NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said: “A review into Ofsted's response to the death of Ruth Perry — and the coroner’s findings — will only take us forward if it is impartial and independent.

“The review should be carried out by someone from outside Ofsted rather than a former chief inspector, so that it has the trust of the profession, and we can all have faith in the process. 
 
“Ofsted creates a culture across schools and colleges which is a factor in severe retention problems, especially in disadvantaged areas, ill-health and unsustainable workloads. 
 
“The tragic suicide of Ruth Perry should have been a watershed moment for Ofsted.”