I watched Chris Woodhead change 88 observed failing teachers into more than 13,000 and then claim it was probably more because the inspectors were inefficient (in a recent TV interview). The same nimble footwork created 3,000 bad headteachers.
We are observing the same kind of complete destruction of a fairly unified professional body as was seen in the miners’ riots - this time not by police wielding batons but by authority wielding verbal sticks. It is not too fanciful to see a resemblance to those totalitarian regimes where denunciation was encouraged. Everyone kept their respective heads down and hoped that their collar wasn’t felt.
I wish I could feel that it will all change in May.
DENNIS WALBY 132 Maidstone Road Chatham, Kent
