Letter: Wrong-headed

I UNDERSTAND Edinburgh council is planning to replace principal teachers of subjects with faculty heads who will administer groups of subjects.

Anyone who knows from personal experience the inner workings of a secondary school will realise the pivotal role played by principal teachers. They are the powerhouse of the school. They are the people through whom the classroom education of our children is developed.

Faculty heads may be able to carry out supportive administrative duties, but how can they possibly provide a positive educational lead for assistant teachers who know more than they do about the material being taught?

If there are sound educational reasons for such a change, the proposers are duty bound to list what they are. As things stand, the only logical reason for such a move seems to be to save money. Do we really want educational policy to be dictated by accountants?

HENRY L PHILIP

(Former headteacher)

Grange Loan, Edinburgh