The former chief of Ofsted has called for an overhaul of the inspectorate’s grading system after changing his mind on one-word judgments in the wake of the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.

Sir Michael Wilshaw, former chief inspector of schools, told Tes magazine that one-word judgments should be replaced with a more “nuanced” report and he now supports the Labour Party’s plan to replace headline inspection grades with a “report card”.

It comes after MPs launched an inquiry on Tuesday into Ofsted’s school inspections and whether they can be improved.

The watchdog has faced pressure to reform after Ms Perry, the headteacher of Caversham Primary School in Reading, Berkshire, took her own life in January after her school was downgraded to the lowest Ofsted rating.

Sir Michael confirmed to Tes magazine that he was calling for an overhaul of the entire grading system - possibly by replacing one-word judgments with narrative reports.

Referencing Ms Perry’s death, he said: “I’ve thought about it since this whole tragic episode took place.

“This is a woman who had the confidence of parents, raised achievement - educational provision was good - who fell down on one judgment.”