The proposed review of the primary national curriculum ( TES , June 28) has to be welcomed. However, without a simultaneous review of the national testing and inspection regimes which have done much to produce the current preoccupation (obsession?) with the core subjects, such a review is bound to be cosmetic, ingenuous and, ultimately, fruitless

Last time (in the late 1890s) the review of a similarly oppressive system was conducted the government of the day not only withdrew the Revised Code but also the system of testing by results which had reinforced it. New Labour needs to follow the Victorians’ example.

Professor Colin Richards, Spark Bridge, Cumbrianbsp;nbsp;nbsp;