SIR – There are undoubtedly huge pressures and responsibilities placed on headteachers and governing bodies in all schools and great sacrifices and dedication are given for the ultimate benefit of the pupils and society.

Having worked as a teacher for more than 43 years in Bradford, I have seen many changes to systems yet the overseeing control by the local authority has always provided a safety net where decisions could be discussed and, if necessary, challenged or supported with professional advisers.

With the advent of free schools, this accountability and support now vanishes for both staff and pupils.

What a sad state of affairs at the Kings Science Academy. Call me old-fashioned, but the majority of responsible people may think as I do in that, where there has apparently been significant false accounting, this is fraud and the perpetrators are certainly not the people parents would want their children educated by.

Fraud is a criminal matter and should be dealt with by the appropriate authorities with vigour.

J Paul Townsend, Heaton Park Drive, Bradford