A new on-line program launched today gives teachers the chance to find out whether they’re in touch or deluded. In case it’s bad news, it also helps devise a self-help programme to improve their weak spots.

Modestly entitled Transforming Learning, it has been devised by management consultants Hay McBer as a potentially lucrative spin-off from their pound;4 million Government contract to identify the hallmarks of effective teaching.

Teachers select five pupils to answer confidential questions about them. The program assesses their performane and sets it against national norms.

Schools will pay up to pound;2,000 a year for the system, which has the backing of the National Association of Head Teachers and staff who have tested it.

Melanie Wheeler, deputy head and Year 6 teacher at Holy Family RC primary in Slough, said: “It’s a fascinating process. The pupils loved it.

“I thought I gave incredibly clear instructions in lessons, but the message I got back was that sometimes they were uncertain,” she admitted. “It’s certainly improved my perception of what I’m doing”

The site is at www.

transforminglearning.co.uk