In it, he picked apart the role of “quangos” and those that were being culled by the Government, suggesting the “bonfire” needed stoking with a few additional contenders.

Included was the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), which is not a quango but a sector-led body. He went on to suggest that LSIS should follow the fate of Becta and the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency, noting that when he tried to find out what the LSIS does he found a “pretty website which has lots of lovely pictures of peoples’ hands”. He added: “I often wonder what the folks at LSIS do all day and how much of it helps my students.”

Ah, if only Mr Jones knew what was happening around him, he might have been better informed, not least because his college has benefited. Staff from the college have attended various LSIS conferences and forums and Mr Jones’ principal is a member of the governing council.

Mr Jones might want to take a look around and see what else is happening in his college. He might then be a little less prone to criticise those that are working hard to support the sector in its drive for excellence.

Dr David Collins, Chief executive, Learning and Skills Improvement Service.