There have been calls for the abandonment of skills tests in mathematics, English and ICT for trainee teachers, even from senior figures in the training establishment. Our profession already has members who have difficulty with simple calculations and even with basic English. We should not be swayed by siren voices claiming that teachers of certain subjects have no need of the skills being tested. That would lead to a further dilution of professional standards There is every need for such tests, but the way in which some are administered must change. From media reports it seems more to do with being cheap and trendy than with a serious attempt to test the abilities of the candidates.

Roger Lane
Prestatyn, Denbighshire