A TRAGIC headteacher who took her own life "couldn't take it anymore" as she waited for an Ofsted report, an inquest heard.
Ruth Perry, 53, was left "absolutely devastated" when Caversham Primary School was downgraded from "outstanding" to "inadequate."
An inquest heard today how she had been counting down the days until the report was released with a "weight on her shoulders".
Sister Professor Julia Waters told Berkshire Coroner's Court said it was "hanging over" Ruth.
She added: "It just preyed on her mind until she couldn't take it anymore."
Professor Waters said the Ofsted result had been the "worst day of [Ruth's] life".
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She said the family were in no doubt she had taken her life as "a direct result" of the pressure placed on her by the inspection.
The inquest heard how Ruth had been a head at the school in Reading for 13 years and was a former pupil.
Visits from Ofsted inspectors had taken place on November 15 and 16 last year, with a first draft due within 18 working days.
Ruth died on January 8 this year with a final report still yet to be published, the court heard.
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But during this time, the first draft noted there were failures in safeguarding within the primary school.
This in turn led to the "leadership and management" category of the Ofsted review being judged as inadequate.
Such a result would mean the school would likely close and become an academy, it was said.
A pre-inquest review previously heard Rith had been in touch with a mental health crisis team on November 21 just days after the inspection.
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Coroner Heidi Connor asked Christopher Russell, the national director for education at Ofsted, about the watchdog's "welfare" responsibilities.
She said: "According to Ofsted's Code of Conduct, an inspector must take steps to minimise a headteacher's stress and prevent undue anxiety during an inspection. Is that correct?"
The chief replied: "Correct. Inspectors are expected to manage an inspection so that it runs smoothly and so that you minimise the stress and anxiety of the headteacher and other members of staff in the school."
Mr Russell also said inspectors are trained in how to reduce stress for school leaders.
But he told the inquest Ofsted is not responsible for the "welfare of headteachers".
Coroner Ms Connor has already made it clear Ofsted's rating does not fall "within the scope" of the inquest.
The inquest continues.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
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