I had assumed Nick Tate (“Exam reformer thinks again”, TES, July 27) was employed as head of the QCA to provide the best advice he could to the government. I fear I am wrong.
Some un-named person told him that he should not express certain opinions (the simile he chooses of “blotting his copybook” rings of the subservient Victorian child). So what does he do? He tells us: “From then on, we were more cautious about giving them advice that they didn’t want to hear.”
I imagine that all those who rely on the QCA as one element in improving education, must shake their heads in sadness.
John Vale 37 Cardiff Road, Pwllheli, Gwynedd
