My parents' generation's benchmark was simple: Fat Equals Bad.

I don't subscribe to the 'Doctor Who' magazine and we've only got the normal amount of 'Doctor Who' fridge magnets.

Despotism isn't nearly as bad as it's cracked up to be.

I was accorded the opportunity to learn by failing - albeit at the cost of a few honourable teachers' sanity - and now I realise what a rare and incredible luxury that is.

Look, I want what's good for everybody. I want to promote good state education for all. I want to raise standards for all kids, irrespective of race and class but why can't they all just do what I say when I know I'm right?

The crushing, pitiful, and frequently just plain risible pathos of an unsuccessful actor/performer's life is well charted.

When popularity is your only goal, doing well in class is going to feature very low, if at all, on your priority list.