In large organisations, complaints by employees of racist or sexist behaviour by people in positions of authority are often resolved outside the glare of publicity to safeguard the corporate brand and individual privacy. In the case of the English Schools Foundation, the city’s biggest international school group, that approach was not a credible option. Claims of racism and sexism at King George V School in an open letter from a Year 13 student in June soon led to a public petition bearing more than 2,400 signatures. It called for school management to address an issue not confined to one school and to introduce reforms.

It is good therefore that Greer has announced new training for teachers in diversity and equality, and it is telling that she has asked for time to implement changes because they involve a cultural shift. The incident and subsequent review have obviously uncovered a problem that is not an isolated concern, even if it is not rampant.