I was disgusted to read the letter titled “In a spin over physics” (31 May). The writers’ reference to the departure of a teacher giving them “a fantastic opportunity to get someone new in to spruce up the department” and references to the few applicants for the post as “substandard” are personal and cruel. This letter was published in the same edition that carried an article about criticism by a coroner of press coverage surrounding Lucy Meadows’ suicide (“Press condemned in transgender teacher inquest”). One sincerely hopes the individuals referred to are not as affected as Ms Meadows was. I suggest that the two authors brush up on their tact, and appeal to TES to take more care over the personal content of its letters page in future.

Dr Carl Wilkinson, Liverpool.