Why are we surprised that the coalition government interferes directly or indirectly in Ofqual? What recent neo-liberal government would want its inspectors and regulators to produce evidence that contradicted its ideology?

Ofsted inspects not to identify good schools, but rather to identify schools that are best complying with government ideology. Ofqual and Ofsted continually seek to justify their existence: they do not want to be seen as part of the problem. Failure here would lead to abolition and unemployment for their staff. Hypocrisy flourishes.

Pity the academy heads who now find themselves blaming the very government that has sponsored their development. Many chief executives sold worthless qualifications to move up the league tables, better their salaries and develop their empires.

Andy Bowles, Former education lecturer, Leeds Metropolitan University.