GCSEs and A-levels are well past their sell-by date

‘The current system does not allow children to learn how to think outside the box and to develop independent critical thought.’ Photograph: Niall Carson/PA

I was interested to read about the proposals of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change for the reform of education in England (Scrap GCSEs and A-levels, says Tony Blair Institute in call for ‘radical reform’, 23 August). Would this be the same Tony Blair who, back in 2004, vetoed the introduction of the radical reforms recommended by the Tomlinson report on the 14-19 curriculum?

As I remember, Mike Tomlinson’s plans were comprehensive, coherent and widely supported by those of us keen to see the introduction of a more appropriate curriculum for young people. What a shame that, when it was required, Blair lacked the political courage to support the radical reforms so clearly needed. How strange that he is now calling for a commission to investigate curriculum reform. How disappointing that we had an analogue prime minister for a digital age.
Lloyd Harris
Bristol