Headteacher Ruth Perry’s GP has said that the Ofsted inspection of her school contributed to her death.
Ms Perry’s family say she took her own life after a report from the watchdog downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns.
Her sister, Professor Julia Waters, previously said Ms Perry had experienced the “worst day of her life” after inspectors reviewed the school on November 15 and 16 last year.
The inquest heard that following the Ofsted inspection, Ms Perry spoke to her local GP, as well as contacting local mental health services.
Ms Perry’s GP, Dr Tom Back, gave evidence to the inquest at Berkshire Coroner’s Office in Reading on Friday.
He said Ms Perry spoke both to him and another GP in the weeks following the Ofsted inspection.
Mr Back said he had known Ms Perry for years, and that she had no history of mental illness, except for one visit to the GP around 30 years ago over stress.
Senior coroner Heidi Connor asked Mr Back if there was a link between the Ofsted inspection and Ms Perry’s mental health deterioration and death.
He said: “Yes, I think there is a link.”
He later added that the inspection contributed “in a more than minimal way” to Ms Perry’s death.
Previously, the inquest heard that Ms Perry and her husband were due to exchange contracts on a new home.
