Before this government came to power, many failing schools were simply allowed to drift on in a pattern of continuing failure. The government is determined to break that pattern and is successfully doing so.

If bringing up the next generation is important, why aren't they the best qualified, the best paid? Why aren't we as concerned about their career progression as we are about those who work in the education or health services?

You have got to attract the brightest and the best, but the brightest and best won't stay unless they see real career options.

I taught for 17 years in an inner city comprehensive schools.

By creating useful job descriptions and making clear what qualifications should be expected, the Department aims to help improve schools' ability to recruit the right people.

At different times I taught humanities, social sciences and pre-vocational education.

Headteachers and governing bodies run schools and that won't change.