Having in the recent past been a part-time Ofsted inspector for post-16, and also a vice-principal of what was an outstanding college, I am very concerned about the demotivating negativity that will result from the proposed changes to the grading of inspections. Last year, no college achieved grade 1 for teaching and learning and thus, under the new system, none would have been outstanding. With grade 3 now firmly in the bad boys’ corner, the two Michaels are creating the perfect formula to provide them with a stick to beat teachers until the end of time.

Ian Sharp, Educational consultant, Scunthorpe.

News, page 16.