Top of their class

I was interested to read Jim McDonald's comment (Letters, 26 January) that "being a success in the classroom has little to do with the level of degree obtained, and all to do with a flair for presenting the subject attractively".

Why then have teaching qualifications at all? Why bother with an undergraduate degree and postgraduate qualification? Surely, setting any limit may stop "good teachers" becoming teachers? Indeed, many in the private sector do not have teaching qualifications – something the teaching unions seem to see as unacceptable.

It seems ludicrous to me to say that a teacher needs a university qualification (indeed, a postgraduate one) then argue the toss over the rank of that qualification.

I don't mind setting a high standard for our teachers – and if that loses a (very small) number of good teachers, that may be the price we have to pay.

ROB MARRS

Carlton Street

Edinburgh