* The conference backed calls for an independent academic review of faculties in secondaries. John Guidi, Renfrewshire, said that principal subject teachers were “the cornerstone of good educational standards in specialist areas”.

George Sturrock, Dundee, pointed out his authority had not introduced faculties and could be contrasted with others.

David Malloch, West Lothian, said some departments were reluctant to take on students or probationers because they had no PT subject. Anyone failing might be able to claim lack of appropriate support.

Peter Wright, West Lothian, said that fundamentally secondary teachers were delivering their subject knowledge. “Subject knowledge has to be correct, well informed and up to date,” Mr Wright said. Faculties were undermining that.