However, NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has presented Education Secretary Lucy Powell with numerous examples of the negative impact on its members. The union highlights a sharp decline in well-being since the new inspection framework was introduced a year ago.
Amanda Hulme, headteacher at Claypool Primary School in Bolton, described her latest inspection as the most exhausting experience of her career. It was definitely detrimental to my health and highly distressing, Hulme said. She suffered from insomnia, which triggered a rise in her blood pressure and heart rate.
The pressure extended to her staff. Some colleagues have abandoned plans to apply for leadership roles, while another teacher is considering leaving the profession entirely. Hulme added: I can see myself being forced to take early retirement before the next inspection. I am not sure I could survive another one. The new framework replaced the old single-word grades, ranging from outstandingto inadequate,with a more detailed report card. This change fulfilled a Labour party manifesto pledge made after the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry.
However, NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said the new format leaves school leaders and teachers feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and demoralized. „The clear theme coming through all the feedback is that this Ofsted framework is even more stressful than the one it replaced,”Whiteman stated. „It is a clear and present danger to the mental health and well-being of school leaders and teachers, and it could even put lives at risk.”In response, Ofsted stated it has received encouraging feedback from many school leaders who find the new inspections more collaborative and constructive. The watchdog plans to publish independent research to provide an unbiased view of the new system.
Concerns about the mental health impact
Meanwhile, the NAHT continues to receive painful testimonies from its members. One headteacher required professional counseling after a traumatic inspection. Other leaders reported that they and their staff were reduced to tears during the process. The NAHT proposes that inspections should continue, but Ofsted must suspend issuing grades until a full review is completed.
The new framework assesses schools across six or more sub-categories. This structure increases the likelihood of schools receiving lower grades in specific areas.
Concerns about the mental health impact of inspections intensified after an inquest ruled that an Ofsted inspection contributed to Ruth Perry's suicide in 2023. Following the tragedy, Ofsted inspectors received extra training. They are now required to ask school leaders about their well-being during visits.
However, NAHT members described these new welfare questions as „tokenistic.”Julia Waters, Ruth Perry's sister, revealed she was contacted by at least a dozen teachers who felt suicidal after recent inspections. She raised these concerns in a letter to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Waters was subsequently offered a meeting with Lucy Powell. The Education Secretary stated: „I take the well-being of teachers and headteachers extremely seriously. We need an accountability system to improve schools, but I want one that is supportive and compassionate.”In the UK and Ireland, the Samaritans can be contacted for free on 116 123. In the US, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is available at 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.