Is there method behind Michael Gove’s and (schools minister) Nick Gibb’s madness in foisting the most highly prescriptive and restrictive curriculum ever on primary schools? Won’t the large number of primary schools currently resisting academy status be very tempted to opt for it in future, if only to get out of the curriculum straitjacket fettering non-academies? That way Mr Gove’s and Mr Gibb’s dream (and our nightmare) of a fragmented academised primary sector will be much nearer realisation by the time of the next general election.

Colin Richards, Spark Bridge, Cumbria.