Theory test

That's why Michael Gove is right to recognise that working class parents are just as ambitious as their middle class counterparts, and right to say that all parents have had their fill of "wild and wacky" educational theories.

School uniforms and discipline have an importance that goes beyond mere rules. They should instil pride, responsibility and respect in young people at a time in the 21st century when it

can be hard to find suitable role models. Uniforms can also introduce an element of equality, ensuring that those pupils from hard-up families do not stand out by lacking expensive clothes.

Standards, particularly in primary schools, rose under the previous government but this progress came with a barrage of tests and a growing burden of paperwork for teachers. Now the coalition has the task of picking out the education policies which worked under Labour and abandoning the dogma and micro-management which many parents felt came

with it.

If Ministers can achieve this then more talented people will be persuaded to join the teaching profession, children will learn more and Britain will create a new generation of skilled and responsible young people. There is nothing wacky about that.