Britain’s teachers are not up to the job and are poorly trained, according to a report by the think-tank Politeia.

The study found that only 45% of new primary school tutors have two good A-levels and that less than half of secondary school are in charge of the subject they studies at university.

The report said: “The assessment system fails to act as a check and allows even the weakest candidates through.”

Numerous teaching organisations have rejected the report’s claims.