It was refreshing to see recognition given to the strength of British education and its importance overseas. But it is important to note that it is not only the growth of international schools that highlights respect for British education. It is also the growing interest of governments around the world who want to learn from what we do. We know from our work with partners in more than 30 education ministries that there are many aspects of British education that they find appealing. Singapore, where we work in partnership in the delivery of their curriculum, is one example that has recently been highlighted by education secretary Michael Gove.

What do they like? Our approach to curriculum and assessment, first-class teacher training programmes, qualifications that develop creative and independent thinkers and programmes that prepare students with the skills they need for university.

It was surprising to see in your article that annual growth of education exports totals 4 per cent. Over the past year, Cambridge programmes and qualifications worldwide have grown by 18 per cent. More than 9,000 schools are now a part of our learning community.

Ann Puntis, Chief executive, Cambridge International Examinations.