In response to Geoff Barton’s article, “Surely we’re shoved more than nudged” (January 21), I thought it would be helpful to clarify the approach that the National College will be taking in designating teaching schools.

The criteria that have been agreed for the first cohort do not only concern Ofsted judgements. For teaching schools to be designated, they will need to show a clear track record in establishing long-standing, collaborative relationships with a significant number of partner schools. Indeed, a teaching school cannot succeed unless it has a large number of partner schools who choose to work with it.

We are very keen to hear the views of the profession on the wider evidence we should be looking for to designate the right schools.

Steve Munby, Chief executive, National College, Nottingham.