The sister of headteacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life following an Ofsted inspection, has condemned reports that the watchdog’s former chief, Amanda Spielman, is being nominated for a peerage, calling it “an insult.”
Ms Spielman, who served as chief inspector of Ofsted from 2017 to 2023, was in charge when Mrs Perry’s school in Reading, Berkshire, was downgraded from its highest rating to its lowest in 2023. An inquest later found that the inspection process had contributed to her death.
According to reports, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has nominated Ms Spielman for a seat in the House of Lords. The news has sparked outrage from Professor Julia Waters, Mrs Perry’s sister, who said:
“Spielman’s nomination for a peerage is a disgrace and an insult to my sister’s memory.”
‘Lacking in leadership and empathy’
Prof Waters, a professor at the University of Reading, has been a vocal critic of the way Ofsted handled her sister’s case. In a statement, she accused Ms Spielman of failing to show leadership, empathy, and accountability.
“Her legacy is indelibly associated with my sister’s terrible, preventable death and with defending the inhumane system that led to her death.”
She added:
“Through her response to Ruth’s death and the subsequent inquest and inquiries while head of Ofsted, Amanda Spielman showed herself to be lacking in many of the qualities that you would hope would be needed in Parliament. She showed poor leadership and judgement, a lack of empathy and understanding of the issues, and a tendency to deflect any criticism onto others.”
The criticism follows an independent review in 2024, which found that Ofsted’s response to Mrs Perry’s death was “defensive and complacent”. The review highlighted failings in how the schools watchdog handled mental health concerns related to the high-pressure nature of inspections.
Spielman’s controversial comments
Ms Spielman has remained outspoken since stepping down as Ofsted chief. Earlier this month, she publicly criticised Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson over the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, claiming that the new legislation would make education in England worse. She also accused Ms Phillipson of being too influenced by teaching unions.
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A Government source hit back at Ms Spielman’s remarks, saying:
“She should spend less time criticising the reforms this Government is bringing, and more time reflecting on her failure at Ofsted.”
Despite the controversy, the Conservative Party has refused to confirm or deny the reports of Ms Spielman’s nomination for a peerage. A party spokesperson said:
“It would be unfair to comment on whether specific individuals have or have not been nominated or vetted for any honour or dignity. We do not comment on speculation or purported leaks.”
Growing pressure for reform
The Ofsted inspection system has come under increasing scrutiny since Mrs Perry’s death, with many teachers and school leaders calling for reforms.
Her case led to an outpouring of criticism against Ofsted, with headteachers across the country demanding changes to reduce the stress and pressure placed on school leaders. Many argued that the watchdog’s one-word rating system—which led to Mrs Perry’s school being downgraded—was overly simplistic and damaging.
Since then, calls for greater accountability within Ofsted have intensified, and Mrs Perry’s death remains a symbol of the wider issues within the education system.
As the backlash over Ms Spielman’s reported peerage nomination continues, campaigners are urging the Government to prioritise reforming Ofsted over rewarding its former leadership.
