Suicide of headteacher sparks education review by chiefs

Helen Mann, who had been in her first headship role for just six months, had been off sick with anxiety for four weeks and hanged herself on her first day back at work at Sytchampton Endowed First School, near Stourport.

Mrs Mann had feared the school might lose its 'outstanding' Ofsted rating.

Council bosses today said they would review 'internal processess' to assess whether lessons could be learned.

Just days before her death, the 43-year-old mother of two had taken an overdose of sleeping tablets at her home in Droitwich Road, Worcester, although her doctor said she was not 'actively suicidal' at that stage.

She was also attending counselling sessions after being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder because of work-related stress.

Deputy Worcestershire Coroner Mrs Marguerite Elcock, returned a verdict of suicide at yesterday's inquest, adding Mrs Mann 'feared failure' in her new role and maintaining Ofsted gradings.

Worcestershire County Council said in a statement issued after the three-day inquest in Stourport: "Following the verdict we will be taking the coroner's comments into account when reviewing our internal processes to assess whether any lessons can be learned.

"Mrs Mann's return to work was agreed as Monday November 5 on the basis that it would be a phased return, that she had a fit note and because it was her wish to return."

In summing up proceedings, Mrs Elcock praised Mrs Mann's husband Philip's 'stoicism and love and support for his wife' which she said shone through during the inquest. Mrs Mann had also taught at St Kenelm's CE Primary School, in Romsley, near Halesowen, at the start of her career.

Mr Mann paid tribute to his wife of 13 years in a statement saying their sons, George, 13, and 10-year-old James missed her desperately.

"Helen was the nicest, kindest and most dedicated person you could ever meet," he said.

"She was always there for her family and her work, which were her whole life."