The graph (figure 1, “The ‘good school’ myth”) that shows nationwide GCSE performance is, perhaps, a widespread blow to morale for people working in education. Teachers coach subjects within small geographical areas, but particular subjects and regions are not mentioned once in your article.
Has this research been checked several times against GCSE results for, say, 2008 history in Hartlepool? Do subject teachers in some regions ever overcome the overwhelming odds?
Neil Richardson, Kirkheaton, West Yorkshire.
