With its latest report, Mathematics: understanding the score, Ofsted has scored yet another own goal. The report castigates schools for drilling their pupils to pass tests instead of giving them a proper understanding of mathematics. It makes 21 wide-ranging recommendations for six agencies (including primary and secondary schools) to act upon. Significantly it does not address any to itself.

Ofsted needs to dissuade its own inspectors from “inspecting to the test”. Echoing the sub-title of the report, it needs to understand the score.

Professor Colin Richards, Spark Bridge, Cumbria.