Although the trainee tests started last year, staff involved in teacher training were aware of their introduction by April 1998.
If trainees at Emily Lock’s institution (“Shifting goalposts” TES, May 18) were not aware they would need to pass such tests, it is her institution that is at fault.
More worrying is that a prospective primar teacher has “no chance” of passing the numeracy test. The numeracy strategy aims to give children a sound grasp of mental calculation. Perhaps it is right that teachers unable to do, and thus teach, mental maths should be weeded out.
Paul Killen Liverpool John Moores University IM Marsh Campus Barkhill Road, Aigburth, Liverpool
