Your article, “Is it fair to point the finger at teachers?” (TES, May 9), gives the impression that Policy Exchange has been indulging in some mid-1990s style teacher-bashing. This is unfair. In our research, we explicitly state our appreciation for the excellent job done by the most teachers in often difficult circumstances.
We do, however, believe it is implausible that there have only been 46 poorly performing teachers in the past seven years, as the General Teaching Council for England (GTC) data would suggest; it would be implausible in any profession of 500,000 people. We also believe that it is in the interests of good teachers that GTC competency procedures do their job, as a few poor teachers can reduce the standing of the profession in the eyes of the public.
The aim of our research was to offer recommendations to improve these procedures, not to have a go at the teaching profession.
Sam Freedman, Head of the education unit, Policy Exchange, London.
