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

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

If you invent the Mini Cooper, pour all your energy and passion into it and it gets made, you should be on a roll. In the film industry you have to start again the next day.

There is a shortage of teachers but the January 2001 schools census showed that teacher numbers were at their highest level than at any time since 1984 - and 11,000 higher than 1997.

I was head of the Sixth Form Centre when I left the school.

I do recognise that, where recruitment difficulties persist, teachers can be put under great pressure.

My Department has already recognised this and has been working specifically on the technical support issue since January and will offer advice to schools during the Autumn term.