Her assertion that female teachers, linked globally somehow with the quality of being “highly conscientious”, were more likely to “take criticism personally” than their male counterparts, was unhelpful.

Blair’s consequent knee-jerk “triute” to the dedication of women teachers was a lost opportunity to affirm that a contribution is also being made by male teachers.

This unnecessarily selective praise would have done little to encourage more men into a profession which, we are told, is badly in need of them.

Steve Green

Meridian primary school

Greenwich, London