It is ironic that the government is criticising headteachers for not playing the GCSE “league table game” by the government’s rules. Perhaps now we might abandon the “ladder of shame” approach to school effectiveness and student progress and try a novel route that focuses on teaching and learning, learner autonomy and the lifelong learning that will contribute to the country’s needs. Did I see a pig flying through the air?
Professor Bill Boyle, University of Manchester.