A leading headteacher has criticised the standard of education received by pupils, saying too many teachers stay within their "comfort zone" and succumb to the "tyranny of league tables and performance targets".
Bernice McCabe, headmistress of North London Collegiate in Canons Drive, Edgware, made the comments while speaking at The Prince's Teaching Institute, based in Cambridge University, to which she is co-director.
Speaking at the event, the Harrow head said: "It is all too easy as a teacher to fall back into the familiar routines, opt for the safe topics, stay within your comfort zone. But what excitement is there in that?
"There are teachers who are not content to satisfy the minimum standards, who do not feel constrained by exam specifications but are prepared to use challenging materials to stimulate the interest of their pupils.
"Such people we have invited to be your Teacher Leaders and ensure that your discussions are positive and constructive."
The institute, which was formed by The Prince Of Wales 12 years ago as a forum for educators to engage with eachother, and Mrs McCabe has acted as an advisor to Prince Charles in the past.
She added: "If it’s too easy, there is little gained.
"Teaching is a matter of leading your pupils to higher ground, until they have the confidence to continue climbing by themselves.
"The challenge is in proportion to the steepness of the gradient; but the higher you climb, the better and the wider the view.
"I would argue that the risk involved, the dangers of doing so are no greater – and in human terms much less – than playing safe, limiting the options, and submitting to the tyranny of league tables and performance targets."
Mrs McCabe has been the headmistress of North London Collegiate School, with 30 acres of landscaped grounds and playing fields, since 1997.
What do you think? Email reporter John Shammas on john.shammas@trinitymirror.com.
