SCHOOLS minister Estelle Morris informs us (TES, March 9) that the number of teachers leaving the profession fell from 35,100 in 19978 to 27,500 a year later. Come, come, Estelle, selective use of data. You didn’t mention 1998 saw a mass exodus prior to draconian changes in pension arrangements. Anyone between 50 and 60 seeking a pension because of ill healthafter that had to be virtually dead to succeed!
Actuarily-reduced pensions were introduced for those who retired early - giving staff the choice between professional incarceration and a pension that has been rejected as inadequate by all professional associations.
Roy Cook
Headteacher
Littletown primary school
Honiton, Devon
