Prince Charles used his summer school for English and history teachers this week to deliver a curiously worded rant against “genetically modified education”.
Did pages from his usual organic farming speech accidentally slip into his standard diatribe against trendy teaching? Or can we expect more cross-fertilisation in the prince’s thinking? Denouncing Charles Clarke as a “monstrous carbuncle”, perhaps, or something about sanitary products and former chief inspector Chris Woodhead?
Anyway, after the prince’s speech, there was a BBC Any Questions session.
Panellist Mr Woodhead described the Tomlinson inquiry’s recommendations for 14-19 education as a “disaster”.
Presenter James Naughtie said: “Is there anyone out there who would disagree with that?” After a pause a voice at the back of the hall said:
“Mike Tomlinson might.” Naughtie laughed and said: “He would if he was here.” To which the voice replied: “He is here!” It was Tommo himself, red with rage.