Ofsted’s problems are theological: here’s how to fix them

Nick Megoran has interviewed dozens of teachers and church leaders in order to understand how we can better manage and motivate people in the workplace. As the suicide of head teacher, Ruth Perry, continues to cast a spotlight on Ofsted inspections, Nick argues that our theology of success needs to change

The tragic suicide of primary school headteacher, Ruth Perry, following a negative Ofsted inspection, has dominated headlines. But it has since emerged that she is far from the first teacher to have died as a result of stress caused by school inspections.

Ofsted has, however, so far resisted the widespread calls for a fundamental rethink of its work. Instead, it’s chief, Amanda Spielman, has proposed minor changes to the framework, such as offering staff “seminars to talk them through the process”.