HOW I empathised with Penny Holmes. I am also a teacher who tried to withdraw our child from the tests for seven-year-olds and our objections were likewise ideological.
Out attempt led us through the official channels, stage 1: hearing before governors; stage 2: hearing before the local education authority; stage 3: appeal to the Secretary of State.
All a charade, of course, andwhile we pursued the case the school was entitled to test our daughter anyway!
The headteacher in your article saw it as the one at our school - obliged to administer the tests. So much for choice and citizenship! I would like the issue taken to the European Court, where I think the bullying government could be beaten.
David Cross
32 Canterbury Terrace, Leicester