Sir, Some may express astonishment at groups of teachers wishing to run new “free schools” (“Teachers eager to run first ‘free schools’,” June 18). I am not surprised in the slightest. There are several reasons why teacher morale is higher in independent schools than in maintained settings.
In independent schools, teachers have more autonomy to do what they believe is right. They accept the responsibility that comes with that freedom and see it as an essential part of being a teacher. If the government or local authorities try to micro-manage the school system, they will demoralise and de-skill the workforce of dedicated professionals within it.
David Hanson
Chief Executive, The Independent Association of Prep Schools