I have met many an incompetent teacher during my career in schools and as an executive member of teaching union the NASUWT. Headteachers must be monitored in their dealings with such colleagues. Many heads are frightened to follow disciplinary procedures for fear of adverse publicity or being out-manoeuvred by unions. As a union official, I have used scare tactics myself to prevent incompetent teachers being sacked.

The General Teaching Council for England has been pathetic in dealing with incompetent teachers, so it should be replaced with a new professional body. There are a large number of incompetent teachers and they need to be rooted out.

Tony Callaghan, Alpington, Norfolk.