Headteachers Urge Ofsted to Pause School Grading Over Health Concerns

Headteachers in England are calling on Ofsted to stop grading schools under its new inspection framework, saying the system has increased pressure on school leaders and is damaging their mental health.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said it had presented Education Secretary Lucy Powell with numerous accounts of members experiencing significant distress since the new inspection system was introduced about a year ago.

The new framework replaced Ofsted’s previous single headline grades, which ranged from outstanding to inadequate, with a more detailed system assessing schools across several areas. The changes followed widespread criticism of the previous system after the death of headteacher Ruth Perry in 2023. An inquest found that an Ofsted inspection had contributed to her death.

Amanda Hulme, headteacher of Claypool Primary School in Bolton, described a recent Ofsted inspection as the most stressful experience of her career. She said the experience affected her sleep and caused her blood pressure and pulse rate to rise.

She also said the pressure had affected members of her staff, with some reconsidering leadership positions and another teacher considering leaving the profession.

NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said feedback from members showed that school leaders and teachers were feeling increasingly anxious, overwhelmed and demoralised. The union is therefore asking Ofsted to continue inspections but suspend the issuing of grades until the inspection system undergoes a review.

Ofsted has defended the revised approach, saying many school leaders have reported that inspections now feel more collaborative and constructive. The watchdog also plans to publish independent research examining how the new system is operating.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said teacher and headteacher wellbeing was a serious concern but maintained that schools still needed an accountability system to support improvement. She said the government wanted an approach that was more supportive of school leaders while maintaining standards.

The dispute comes as the education sector continues to debate how schools should be held accountable without creating excessive pressure on teachers and headteachers.