Ever since its inception, English elementaryprimary education has suffered from discrimination.

Primary schools are far more likely to be subject to inspections led by AIs than by HMIs. Putting aside the unverifiable claim by independent inspection providers that there is “little discernible difference” between AIs and HMIs, there is no justifiable educational reason why a much lower proportion of primary school inspections should be led by HMI - it’s just another example of finance-led discrimination.

Professor Norman Thomas Former chief inspector (primary education), Kingsbury Manor, St Albans, and Professor Colin Richards, former staff inspector (primary education), Spark Bridge, Cumbria.