I’m not a teacher, but I am married to one, so have unlimited access to your publication every week. I love the magazine and in particular the column by Anne Thrope (Ms), which is the wittiest thing in print anywhere. The last couple of weeks have been riotously, laugh-out-loud funny.

My question is this: can you at The TES put your hand on your heart and tell me that Anne Thrope is really a teacher?

After 30 years as a detective in London, and a further five driving a black cab, I can be quite cynical. I have discussed Anne Thrope with my wife and I am of the opinion that no one would be able to so consistently produce such a quality column and hold down a job as demanding as teaching. My wife says I’m just being cynical and that no self-respecting journal such as The TES would behave in an underhand manner.

So, please put our deliberations to rest and give us the low-down on the mysterious Anne Thrope: is she really a secondary teacher in the north of England?

Martin Long, London

Editor: Yes. She really is.