As we reach that time in secondary schools when Year 9 pupils are making their option choices for GCSE, might I congratulate Charles Clarke on a stunningly effective means of solving the teacher shortage crisis in two crucial subject areas. From the evidence I’ve seen, now that these subjects are no longer compulsory, children are deserting Technology and Modern Languages for GCSE in droves thus ensuring within two years Modern Languages and Technology will no longer be deemed shortage subjects!

What a master plan! What next? Optional English and Maths? Physics and Chemistry no longer an obligatory part of GCSE Science?nbsp;

Brilliant and think of the savings on recruitment and retention handouts!

Robert Newton
(retired headteacher)
West Midlands