Tragic head teacher was 'upset' after inspection, court hears

Published on Monday 14 December 2009 21:35

A SCHOOL inspector told yesterday how a head teacher was visibly upset after her leadership was verbally criticised.

Jacqueline Horsburgh described how Irene Hogg wiped a tear from her eye during a feedback session at the end of the week-long inspection at Glendinning Terrace Primary School in Galashiels, Selkirkshire.

The 54-year-old was found dead in a remote part of the Cheviot Hills five days later after failing to return to work at the end of the Easter break.

A fatal accident inquiry at Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard how Miss Hogg's quality indicator rating for leadership and the school's child protection were given as "weak" although the latter was upgraded following an appeal by Scottish Borders Council to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education.

Miss Hogg was given her assessment at a meeting with Miss Horsburgh at the end of the inspection on 21 March.

Depute fiscal Mark Keane asked the inspector how Miss Hogg reacted after she had gone through the quality indicators and heard her view of the inspection at the school.

Miss Horsburgh, 53, replied: "She was upset, quietly upset and appeared to wipe a tear from her eye.

"She said something to the effect that I wish things or it could have been better."

Asked by Sheriff James Farrell whether she thought it was a good or bad report Miss Horsburgh said: "It was not a strong report."

The inquiry has previously heard how Miss Hogg had been stressed and had e-mailed her employers six months earlier about the "unsustainability of the job she was in".

Miss Hogg knew Glendinning was due for an inspection and was considering early retirement in June 2008.

After six days of evidence the inquiry was adjourned to allow written submissions. The inquiry will re-convene on Friday.