SIR – I am concerned about the misleading statements from Ian Murch, Bradford spokesman for the National Union of Teachers (T&A, January 3). At no point are schools bullied into becoming academies.

Before a school becomes an academy it has to consult with parents, community, partners and, yes, even teachers.

Academies are state-maintained but independently-run schools in England, set up with the help of outside sponsors and have more freedoms than schools under local authority control, which is a good thing for the parents, pupils and the local community.

Academies are not under local authority control and have more freedom over their budgets, the appointment of staff. They don’t have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times, but still have to follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools.

Surely statements like “there is no real evidence it improves results” plays down the valued role teachers play in all academies, and the NUT should stop putting down teachers who have helped schools become academies, as they are the ones who help them improve the results through their commitment and support.

Emmerson Walgrove, Governor and Lay Chaplain at Iqra Academy, Walmer Villas Bradford