Teachers' union does it again

When the teachers' unions oppose something, we can be fairly sure Michael Gove is still on the right lines.

Kevin Courtney, deputy general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, has now said

Teachers’ pay should not be determined by head teachers at the school level. We don’t want a system where head teachers pick and choose favourites for pay rises.

No, we certainly don't want pay rises related to performance. It's only a matter of our children's education, nothing much. Reward the outstanding, the indifferent and the incompetent. National pay scales must be national, reflecting time served. Let the mediocre prevail.

It's called a market, Kevin. Teachers who feel their head teacher is denying them the pay rise they deserve can apply for teaching posts in other schools where they may be more appreciated.

Meanwhile, our children need the best education taxpayers can buy them. That means encouraging those teachers who are good and outstanding. Head teachers are best placed to do that.