I was dismayed to find that I can vote for less than half the governing body. I cannot believe teachers have accepted this situation. I am sure that other professions, for example law and medicine, would laugh at any suggestion that their august bodies should be dominated by lay members, who would not dare to demand a place on the Bar Council.

This is no way to improve teacher morale and recruitment.

David Christie, 20 Deane Drive, Taunton, Somerset

The Editor writes: The 64-member council will comprise 25 elected teachers, nine appointed by teacher unions, 17 by representative bodies such as the churches, and 13 by the Secretary of State.