It takes a measure of dedication hard to imagine in someone who blames his under-achievement at college on “too many extra-curricular activities”; it takes a love of children inconsistent with the outrageously cynical notion that discipline is predicated on “mutual disrespect”, but above all it demands a passionate conviction that education is a privilege and that no other profession could ever be more worthwhile.

Children deserve better than a teacher who, by his own admission, is doing it only because he was overlooked by employers who do value high academic standards.

Peter Eveleigh PGCE student Bath Spa University College