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

What politicians want to create is irreversible change because when you leave office someone changes it back again.

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

In the 21st century when few of us stay in the same job all our lives, I would like to think there was flexibility so teachers could become social workers, or foster carers become teachers.

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.

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.