Mike Tomlinson’s diagnosis is partly correct: we need a carefully shaped framework which provides goals for all students. But this is most unlikely to be in the form of a single diploma, incorporating incommensurable bits and pieces. In particular, academic students need serious academic courses leading to credible qualifications.

France has already forced schools to enter 80 per cent of students for a modified bac, resulting in chaos and massive discontent. Mr Clarke should talk to his French colleague Luc Ferry and think again.

Dr Tony Gardiner. University of Birmingham. Education committee chair. European Mathematical Society