I agree that gender stereotyping can negatively affect the life chances of girls (“Little princesses need to crown new heroines”, Professional, 7 February). And I would like to emphasise further the responsibility of all teachers and school leaders to guard against stereotyping and to celebrate diversity. Allowing stereotyping of any kind can lead to bullying, homophobia, racism and denigration of women. To combat this requires commitment, support and training. But most of all, we must be critical of our own ignorance and behaviour, and look for every opportunity to redress the balance.

Carol Machell, Former headteacher, West Yorkshire.