Chris Woodhead was in typically combative form during his visit to York. As head teachers called for a criminal investigation into allegations that he lied on oath, the chief inspector of schools said it was business as usual.

He is right to stand up to what has every appearance of a witch hunt. Teachers have implacably opposed Mr Woodhead's reforms since he came to office.

His current initiative, aimed at making teachers as accountable as staff in the private sector, has met with the usual wall of resistance.

Unions have seized on the revelations about his relationship with a former pupil as just the latest opportunity to lever him out of office.

Mr Woodhead, who has the Government's full support, seems to thrive on conflict. This has not helped his cause. But he should not be hounded out because of something that happened in his personal life 20 years ago. He should be judged on his results.

see NEWS 'Woodhead finds friends in city'

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