HeadteacherChat founders Jonathan and Lucy Coy, both former school leaders, give their own view. Published 11 November 2024. Inspection has changed since this conversation: from November 2025 Ofsted replaced single-word judgements and the education inspection framework with its renewed framework and report cards, so the grading system discussed here is no longer the one schools are inspected under.

What this covers

  • Leaders' mental health and wellbeing before, during and after an inspection.
  • Why they saw single-word grades as too simplistic, and the case for a more nuanced judgement of a school.
  • The call for an annual safeguarding inspection focused on safeguarding policy and procedures.
  • A more supportive approach to accountability, with more training for inspectors and support for leaders and school communities.

Before you act on it

For how inspection works now, read Ofsted's current school inspection toolkit, operating guide and information. For staff and leader wellbeing, the DfE's education staff wellbeing charter sets out commitments schools can sign up to.

About the session

Jonathan and Lucy discuss the situation with Ofsted in light of the devastating news about Ruth Perry, the headteacher who tragically took her own life after an Ofsted inspection. They share what they feel needs to change from their own experience, and what leaders are saying needs to change and why.

Jonathan and Lucy are both experienced school leaders with over 15 years of experience each.

Jonathan Coy, BA (QTS) Hons NPQH FCCT

As an experienced headteacher, trustee, deputy CEO of an academy trust, governor, and school leader for many years, Jonathan Coy now works as CEO of HeadteacherChat, a qualified coach, and education consultant. Jonathan is also a Fellow of The Chartered College of Teaching. He is a regular speaker about school leadership during webinars and podcasts.

Lucy Coy, BA (QTS) Hons, NASENCO, MCCT

Lucy is also an experienced school leader and has served as an Acting Headteacher, a Deputy Headteacher, an Assistant Headteacher, and an Inclusion Lead. Lucy played a key role in leading a school from Special Measures to Good in less than a year, and her work was recognised by Dame Alison Peacock, who invited Lucy to contribute to her book, ‘Assessment for Learning Without Limits.’ Lucy now creates school leader planners and serves as joint CEO of HeadteacherChat™, offering consultancy and marketing advice for education companies. Lucy is also a member of The Chartered College of Teaching.

They discuss:

  • The mental health and wellbeing of leaders before, during and after an inspection
  • The overly simplistic nature of the Ofsted grading system and the need for a more nuanced approach to assessing the quality of schools.
  • The call for an annual safeguarding inspection that focuses on the safeguarding policy and procedures.
  • The need for a more supportive and collaborative approach to accountability, including more training and resources for inspectors and support mechanisms for school leaders and the community.