Ray Tarleton’s vision of the headteacher of an academy as “king” is a nightmare (Letters, September 17). Schools have been provided by the community for the community, and are held in trust by governors, appointed and elected by members of that community. The academy route removes a massive pool of staffing and resources from local authorities and places them in the hands of a self-perpetuating clique answerable only to the Secretary of State.

Heads make excellent managers, but it is governors who decide whether to “take the academy train”. In reaching the right decision, we will have future accountability to our local community as a primary concern.

Nigel Gann, Former headteacher and chair of governors, Chiselborough, Somerset.