Your own new political party (9 Viewers)

[SIR ERNIE]

Ernie, I'm not saying private schools aren't offering a better standard, clearly they are, and if anyone is in a position to go down that route good luck to them.

You've only highlighed half the sentence and I appologise if the word "mug" caused offense, you've concluded I'm having a pop at anybody who sends their kids private. I'm not, but I accept that's obviously the way it came across and I was wrong to put it in that context.

Taking the whole of the sentence, I'm saying private schools can charge what they like and they don't need to get help from charities, or government subsidies (taxpayers money) there will always be someone out there who will pay whatever they charge (ie. if they doubled the fees, wealthy folk would still pay it because it's the accepted norm that it MUST be better).

Hope that clears my post up - next weeks hot topic will be Sainsbury's or Aldi - where do we all shop?

Reg: Thanks for that. Understood.

Education is a pet hobby horse of mine because I firmly believe that the poor teaching standards and levels of discipline that have been tolerated in state schools are one of the root causes of so many of this country's problems.

ps: Lady Ernie gets Sainsburys deliveries!

 

---

[Nick]

Catch 22, would as many people use private schools if normal schools were up to scratch?

 

[pastythegreat]

Reg: Thanks for that. Understood.

Education is a pet hobby horse of mine because I firmly believe that the poor teaching standards and levels of discipline that have been tolerated in state schools are one of the root causes of so many of this country's problems.

ps: Lady Ernie gets Sainsburys deliveries!

I thinks it's deeper than that tbf reg.
I wouldn't put it down to just poor teaching! It's a full circle. Parents aren't (in general, I don't speak for everyone here) bringing their kids up with any rules, boundaries or respect anymore! And in turn it's harder and harder for teachers to earn any respect becoming harder to teach. Then this in turn I feel is discouraging people from wanting to teach anymore. Plus with less and less funding schools are closing left right and centre, classes are over filled meaning more unruly kids for the teachers to be ignored by.

Best way in my eyes to tackle this is (as I stated earlier on) bring back national service. 2 years from 16-18 then leave to find a job or sign up the the regular army as per the 22 year contracts curruntly state.

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[Nick]

I thinks it's deeper than that tbf reg.
I wouldn't put it down to just poor teaching! It's a full circle. Parents aren't (in general, I don't speak for everyone here) bringing their kids up with any rules, boundaries or respect anymore! And in turn it's harder and harder for teachers to earn any respect becoming harder to teach. Then this in turn I feel is discouraging people from wanting to teach anymore. Plus with less and less funding schools are closing left right and centre, classes are over filled meaning more unruly kids for the teachers to be ignored by.

Best way in my eyes to tackle this is (as I stated earlier on) bring back national service. 2 years from 16-18 then leave to find a job or sign up the the regular army as per the 22 year contracts curruntly state.

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Had plenty of issues with schools, fortunate enough to have a child who is really clever and loves learning and watched her coming home from school every day drained because they don't know what to do with her. Because of numbers she was put in the year above and was pretty much top of that class, then the next year she was put in with kids a year younger than her because they had too many kids. Homework consisted of colouring in or drawing round her hand. Some days she would be actually teaching the younger kids to read. As she was the year above the year before she spent a whole year stagnated.

It isn't down to the teachers, but like you say the parents of the kids who expect the school to bring their kids up and the system which allows there to be a class of 30+ kids.

It's no wonder you get normal people (ie not rich) dragging their kids out to go private where they are around like minded kids all day.

 

[pastythegreat]

Had plenty of issues with schools, fortunate enough to have a child who is really clever and loves learning and watched her coming home from school every day drained because they don't know what to do with her. Because of numbers she was put in the year above and was pretty much top of that class, then the next year she was put in with kids a year younger than her because they had too many kids. Homework consisted of colouring in or drawing round her hand. Some days she would be actually teaching the younger kids to read. As she was the year above the year before she spent a whole year stagnated.

It isn't down to the teachers, but like you say the parents of the kids who expect the school to bring their kids up and the system which allows there to be a class of 30+ kids.

It's no wonder you get normal people (ie not rich) dragging their kids out to go private where they are around like minded kids all day.

I found when I was at school that a lot of the intelligent kids who wanted to learn in the end give up because of dusruptions.
For 3 years I learned nothing in science. We had more teachers leave having had breakdowns than I care to remember. In the end bunson burners were banned as all they were use for was lighting other people's blazers or for sparking up a fag in class.

I would never put my lack of knowledge in science down to bad teaching!

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[Nick]

I found when I was at school that a lot of the intelligent kids who wanted to learn in the end give up because of dusruptions.
For 3 years I learned nothing in science. We had more teachers leave having had breakdowns than I care to remember. In the end bunson burners were banned as all they were use for was lighting other people's blazers or for sparking up a fag in class.

I would never put my lack of knowledge in science down to bad teaching!

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Yep, in the end they just start pissing about as well. If you can't beat them, join them.

I still remember our school did a trip once for the naughtier kids if they behaved for a term to Alton Towers I think it was. What's all that about?

Teachers are too busy trying to deal with the naughty kids or the kids that need a bit of extra help (which is fair enough) so it means the cleverer kids tend to finish their work and sit there looking about. In the end up they just piss about too.

 

[pastythegreat]

Yep, in the end they just start pissing about as well. If you can't beat them, join them.

I still remember our school did a trip once for the naughtier kids if they behaved for a term to Alton Towers I think it was. What's all that about?

Teachers are too busy trying to deal with the naughty kids or the kids that need a bit of extra help (which is fair enough) so it means the cleverer kids tend to finish their work and sit there looking about. In the end up they just piss about too.

Never ever understood the 'praise the 1 good thing a naughty kid does' thing.
A kid that used to be in my sons class (I'm talking like years 1 & 2 age group), threw chairs at teachers, beat the other kids up daily, the swear word he taught the other kids, it was constant! Yet end of term assembly you could guarantee he'd get a gold star award for some bullshit thing like stacking chairs neatly when asked or having on day he was really polite to his teacher or some bollocks like that! You only had to look at his mum to realise his "adhd" behaviour reasons!

There was on incident where he went ape shit and threw a chair at another kid, the teachers had to hold him back cuz he'd physically lost it. Next day he comes in with his arm in a sling and his mum kicking off that she's gonna sue that arse off the school and take them to the cleaners. The teacher was suspended during investigations and the lot!

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[Nick]

Never ever understood the 'praise the 1 good thing a naughty kid does' thing.
A kid that used to be in my sons class (I'm talking like years 1 & 2 age group), threw chairs at teachers, beat the other kids up daily, the swear word he taught the other kids, it was constant! Yet end of term assembly you could guarantee he'd get a gold star award for some bullshit thing like stacking chairs neatly when asked or having on day he was really polite to his teacher or some bollocks like that! You only had to look at his mum to realise his "adhd" behaviour reasons!

There was on incident where he went ape shit and threw a chair at another kid, the teachers had to hold him back cuz he'd physically lost it. Next day he comes in with his arm in a sling and his mum kicking off that she's gonna sue that arse off the school and take them to the cleaners. The teacher was suspended during investigations and the lot!

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Yep, it sends out the wrong message to the kids who are constantly well behaved and polite and just want to learn. When you are 5 or 6 and see somebody getting a treat because they are usually naughty but they haven't been that day they will start doing it themselves.

I remember once my daughter came home and said a girl has been flashing her bits in class, a little bit worrying for 6 year olds so told the teacher and she just acted like it was typical.

So often you see some of the kids come out with fizzy drinks and eating crap as well.

I wouldn't want to be a teacher trying to do things like that, it just needs a room to round all of those kids up and let them do what they want and let the others get on and learn.

It's not being snobby or anything like that, it's just obvious that you can predict some of the poor kid's lives for them when they are 6 or 7 just from seeing their parents.

 

[Ian1779]

Education is a pet hobby horse of mine because I firmly believe that the poor teaching standards and levels of discipline that have been tolerated in state schools are one of the root causes of so many of this country's problems.

I can honestly tell you that these things are not tolerated by teachers... they are at times best managed.

Now consider the factors that have had an impact on the quality of school provision.

Reduction in school funding pretty much year in, year out. And before anyone rolls out the 'spending' myth - funding per student has decreased significantly and will continue to do so as long as these chumps are in power.
Continual 'policy' change which happens pretty much every time there is a new Education secretary.
Completely overhauling an exam system that did not need wholesale change and replacing it with a system that has not been planned appropriately and does not provide young people with the necessary skills that employers are looking for
Provisions for students that in previous years would have not been a part of mainstream education have been either cut or closed down. These kids get thrown back into the mainstream pot.
Free schools and the alarming waste of money in that pathetic 'vanity project'.
Over excessive monitoring of teachers and not allowing them to just get on and teach.
A recruitment system that is not fit for purpose. The assumption that if you have a good degree you will automatically make a good teacher.
Lack of parental engagement and support which often stems from a poor educational experience themselves.


It's all very well saying that independent schools offer a better level of education, which in most cases they do.

However I'd like to see this sector take some of mainstreams 'more challenging' students and see how far they get with them... then there might be an appreciation for what the challenges really are.

 

[Nick]

I remember watching a school swap program where the headteachers swapped from a boarding school to a state school. If I remember the boarding school head teacher gave one of the kids a scholarship from the other school.

The other thing is would the independent schools take more challenging students who were going to fuck about and not have any interest in learning? I doubt the other parents would be too happy.

 

[Ian1779]

The other thing is would the independent schools take more challenging students who were going to fuck about and not have any interest in learning? I doubt the other parents would be too happy.

This is the thing - we actually want to teach those in front of us... we don't want to be glorified child care.

The standard of teaching can be just as good in state sector - if allowed to actually do so.

Privilege and opportunity... well that's another thing entirely.

 

[Nick]

This is the thing - we actually want to teach those in front of us... we don't want to be glorified child care.

The standard of teaching can be just as good in state sector - if allowed to actually do so.

Privilege and opportunity... well that's another thing entirely.

I agree, should just be allowed a room to put any kid that doesn't want to learn and if they parents also have no interest in their kid's education then wave them goodbye to get on with teaching kids who want to be there.

Another thing now is also a language barrier. Why should teachers who are already dealing with potentially 10 bellend kids then have to slow down when kids can't speak English?

Don't blame the teachers as individuals for a second.

 

[Ian1779]

Another thing now is also a language barrier. Why should teachers who are already dealing with potentially 10 bellend kids then have to slow down when kids can't speak English?

We are very lucky in our school, we have a provision where students that come to us with no English effectively have all their lessons in there until they are able to access enough of the language to go into main lessons. Quite often these are the kids that go on and thrive and do really well in their exams etc. Our school also does have over 30% of students where English is not the first language.

Again comes down to funding.

 

[Nick]

We are very lucky in our school, we have a provision where students that come to us with no English effectively have all their lessons in there until they are able to access enough of the language to go into main lessons. Quite often these are the kids that go on and thrive and do really well in their exams etc. Our school also does have over 30% of students where English is not the first language.

Again comes down to funding.

Do you find that is also down to parents?

Good example was a little polish girl who was fluent in both English and Polish at about 5 in my daughter's class (better than some english kids to be fair) and then other Polish kids who just looked gone out as they didn't understand a word. Was obvious the parents had spent time teaching them English whereas the others hadn't (which must be scary as anything for the poor kid in a room where he doesn't know what's going on).

Another thing would be funding for PE, should be at least half an hour a day of exercise at school. Pair that with teaching kids about healthy eating (I know they do already or try to).

It's also down to parents though, when kids go home and get fizzy drinks, sweets and crap for tea every day.

 

[olderskyblue]

in a room where he doesn't know what's going on

That's like me on SBT.....

 

[clint van damme]

Okay I will try to keep my brief.

Immigration - Close the borders, remove or imprison anyone on the terrorist watch list, with or without crime. All Mosques to be monitored 24/7 with armed guards in every room who can understand their language(s). Gay bars to be opened in Muslim dominated areas, mainly to see if they can mature or not.

Mental Illness (MI) - I would remove all money invested into this complete nonsense. I feel it is misdiagnosed 99% of the time and for the most part it is complete nonsense. MI is simply the fashionable thing nowadays for the weak minded Kardashian fans.

Transport - Remove all speed limits on every road, however this does not mean people are exempt from dangerous driving etc. Speed bumps gone.

Drugs - All become legal and taxed. If people want to take Heroin, let them, and lets tax it. This in turn removes drug dealers and will increase money for services such as the NHS.

Royals - If possible (which it is not) I would have the Royals removed.

if that's your opinion on mental illness you've obviously never seen someone suffering from it up close. Trust me, you'd change your very ill informed opinion.
From your suggestions on immigration and transport, I feel you may actually be a sufferer!

 

[patsy123ccfc]

if that's your opinion on mental illness you've obviously never seen someone suffering from it up close. Trust me, you'd change your very ill informed opinion.
From your suggestions on immigration and transport, I feel you may actually be a sufferer!

I have seen too many people claim they are suffering from it.

I just can see through them. Maybe they were in the 99%. I did not completely deny them, just for the most part.

 

[clint van damme]

I have seen too many people claim they are suffering from it.

I just can see through them. Maybe they were in the 99%. I did not completely deny them, just for the most part.

every single organ, bone, joint and ligament in the human body is susceptible to illness and injury. Why would you think that the most used organ of all would be exempt?

 

[patsy123ccfc]

every single organ, bone, joint and ligament in the human body is susceptible to illness and injury. Why would you think that the most used organ of all would be exempt?

Mine is from personal experience, it is for the weak minded IMO. I am 100% MI correlates with smokers (as they are both weak minded). I also would like to say originally I said for the most part.

For the most part it is a fashionable leftie excuse for being lazy IMO.

 

[Ian1779]

Do you find that is also down to parents?

Good example was a little polish girl who was fluent in both English and Polish at about 5 in my daughter's class (better than some english kids to be fair) and then other Polish kids who just looked gone out as they didn't understand a word. Was obvious the parents had spent time teaching them English whereas the others hadn't (which must be scary as anything for the poor kid in a room where he doesn't know what's going on).

Another thing would be funding for PE, should be at least half an hour a day of exercise at school. Pair that with teaching kids about healthy eating (I know they do already or try to).

It's also down to parents though, when kids go home and get fizzy drinks, sweets and crap for tea every day.

I have found that parents of non-English speaking students are generally more engaged with school, especially once the language barrier has been broken down. What sometimes gets overlooked is that some of these kids are fluent in 3/4 languages - something it would be nice for our children to be (obviously the situation is different)

I agree about PE - should be every day... deal with the problem at it's roots. Maybe just offer fitness as an alternative for those not interested in sports.

 

[clint van damme]

Mine is from personal experience, it is for the weak minded IMO. I am 100% MI correlates with smokers (as they are both weak minded). I also would like to say originally I said for the most part.

For the most part it is a fashionable leftie excuse for being lazy IMO.

I can assure you that you are talking nonsense.
Doesn't mean there aren't people who play the mental health card I agree but there are many people for whom mental health issues are very real.

Many people play on having a bad back, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

You didn't answer my question as to why the brain should be exempt from illness?

I bet you were one of those who believed there was an out of control health and safety culture in this country and that we needed an end to red tape and regulation, because both theories stem from the same type of ill informed, muddled thinking - well that's ended well.

 

[patsy123ccfc]

I can assure you that you are talking nonsense.
Doesn't mean there aren't people who play the mental health card I agree but there are many people for whom mental health issues are very real.

Many people play on having a bad back, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

You didn't answer my question as to why the brain should be exempt from illness?

I bet you were one of those who believed there was an out of control health and safety culture in this country and that we needed an end to red tape and regulation, because both theories stem from the same type of ill informed, muddled thinking - well that's ended well.

I never said the brain should be exempt, hence why I did not answer. I have not completely dismissed MI either as per above.

 

[chiefdave]

Mental Illness (MI) - I would remove all money invested into this complete nonsense. I feel it is misdiagnosed 99% of the time and for the most part it is complete nonsense. MI is simply the fashionable thing nowadays for the weak minded Kardashian fans.

Can't believe this is a serious suggestion. Even if you ignore the level of suffering it would cause it would place huge strain on other services, such as the police, who have to pick up the slack when mental health budgets are cut.

 

[Ashdown]

Mental illness seems to be everywhere at the moment. Maybe it always was but I don't think so. I think the mass media and it's depressive nature, employment pressures, technology and it's requirement in all aspects of life, social media and keeping up with the Jone's, the slow but sure destruction of the planet and the constant increase in urbanisation of the environment all contribute. Still think we have become a bit weaker and less resilient now though, I can't believe the amount of police and military personnel off with stress at any given time. There seems to be an epidemic and Doctor's don't help either handing out drugs and sick notes way too easily.

 

[rob9872]

Again comes down to funding.

Everything in teaching isn't about funding. Surely you must accept that some teachers are better then others?

My daughter is in year 4 (+ reception) at the same school - 2 great teachers, 2 average, 1 completely awful - that has nothing to do with funding. The issue as I see it, is that some are born to teach, some see it as a career rather than a calling and others you wonder how the hell they go through uni, let alone teaching college without being found out.

The better teachers (imo) are the ones who are more engaging and have a personality rather than being robotic and more interested in statistics - this I fear is why they spend more time with the 'bottom of the class' bringing those children up to standard, as opposed to really pushing those who are more gifted to keep exceeding expectations.

 

[pastythegreat]

Mental illness seems to be everywhere at the moment. Maybe it always was but I don't think so. I think the mass media and it's depressive nature, employment pressures, technology and it's requirement in all aspects of life, social media and keeping up with the Jone's, the slow but sure destruction of the planet and the constant increase in urbanisation of the environment all contribute. Still think we have become a bit weaker and less resilient now though, I can't believe the amount of police and military personnel off with stress at any given time. There seems to be an epidemic and Doctor's don't help either handing out drugs and sick notes way too easily.

Agreed. I'm not for one second ignoring mental illness nor pretending it doesn't exist. But it is banded around all too often these days. Somebody wakes up a bit gloomily because they can't be arsed with work on a Monday. That's every day life but people will have you believe that it's manic depression. It's the American dream problem. People look at Kim Kardashian with her big house and big arse and dream of becoming that when it's never gonna happen. Then threatening to top themselves because they drive a Ford fiesta when they really want an Audi R8

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[Ian1779]

Everything in teaching isn't about funding. Surely you must accept that some teachers are better then others?

My daughter is in year 4 (+ reception) at the same school - 2 great teachers, 2 average, 1 completely awful - that has nothing to do with funding. The issue as I see it, is that some are born to teach, some see it as a career rather than a calling and others you wonder how the hell they go through uni, let alone teaching college without being found out.

The better teachers (imo) are the ones who are more engaging and have a personality rather than being robotic and more interested in statistics - this I fear is why they spend more time with the 'bottom of the class' bringing those children up to standard, as opposed to really pushing those who are more gifted to keep exceeding expectations.

You've taken my quote massively out of context here... my comment on funding is still pertinent but not massively linked to the quality of a teacher, however there are some that could improve and become better if given the tools to do so.

That said I generally agree with your other points. I referenced an example earlier of Teach First - their idea works on targetting graduates out of Uni , however you cannot apply unless you get a 2:1 or above. A higher level degree does not automatically mean you would become a great teacher... and having managed/mentored/trained 5 people through the scheme so far it is evident that the quality of their degree has very little impact on quality of their teaching. Quite often the area that people struggle to do is impart their knowledge to students effectively so that they retain it... this is what the best teachers do - whilst keeping them engaged. Teach First are missing 1000's of people potentially every year by being this inflexible in their entry criteria.

Worth mentioning also that to teach in an independent school you don't even have to be a qualified teacher or have a degree.

 

[SIR ERNIE]

Everything in teaching isn't about funding. Surely you must accept that some teachers are better then others?

My daughter is in year 4 (+ reception) at the same school - 2 great teachers, 2 average, 1 completely awful - that has nothing to do with funding. The issue as I see it, is that some are born to teach, some see it as a career rather than a calling and others you wonder how the hell they go through uni, let alone teaching college without being found out.

The better teachers (imo) are the ones who are more engaging and have a personality rather than being robotic and more interested in statistics - this I fear is why they spend more time with the 'bottom of the class' bringing those children up to standard, as opposed to really pushing those who are more gifted to keep exceeding expectations.

Couldn't agree more Rob and your last paragraph is the reason that Grammar Schools are so badly needed in this country. Far from being elitist, they give any child from any background a real opportunity to excel.

 

[Ian1779]

Couldn't agree more Rob and your last paragraph is the reason that Grammar Schools are so badly needed in this country. Far from being elitist, they give any child from any background a real opportunity to excel.

If that was the case then why is the proportion of disadvantaged and SEN students that attend grammar school significantly lower than in mainstream education?

They don't aid social mobility - only hinder it.

 

[shmmeee]

1) Lifelong education guarantee for any shortage profession up to degree level or trade equivalent. Some limits so people don't take the piss but generally if someone is in a shit job or no job and want to better themselves and the country needs more of that profession, there should be no barriers.

2) Free childcare from birth to 7 for 40 hours a week.

3) Three school types: Primary (7-10) Middle (11-14) Secondary (15-18) Comprehensive for the first two with tax on private schools. Secondary to be wide open to variety and competition. Trade schools, arts schools, grammars, whatever. At 18 choice of a proper apprenticeship, uni, or business startup support until 21.

4) Living wage for 21+. Increase social housing. Legislate for automation in utility/insurance/fiance switching so everyone is on the best deal at all times. Push self driving tech forward as much as possible. All times at bringing down living costs.

5) Immigration only for study, refugees or shortage jobs. Must offer apprenticeships to bring in high skill workers. Invest in R&D for replacing low end jobs like fruit picking and warehouse work. Crease British Productivity Agency: tasked with producing free and low cost tools and advice for improving productivity in British business.

6) Try to negotiate as close as we can to single market access without FoM. Doubt it could happen, but would accept high skill immigration or from countries with a certain standard of living. Not likely to not get vetoed though. In reality push for lowest possible trade barriers and cooperation on reaearch, climate, terrorism and policing.

7) Fund the NHS.

8) Bring in Land Value Tax to make it revenue neutral with council tax for most people, but hits high value property and promotes underused land. Give cash directly to local government and let them set rates. Legalise all drugs, some like cannabis regulated like alcohol and tobacco, others like crack and heroin more strongly controlled and monitored. Legalise prostitution. Tax everything, give it to the NHS/mental health services.

9) Update Data Protection Act to allow for automatic compensation for data created by UK citizens. Use this to rinse Facebook and Google of cash. Have opt out system for NHS data so we can utilise it to improve care and reduce costs.

10) Spread government around the country. Create English Parliament in Birmigham and reform Westminster to be a mix of representatives from each area of the UK. More power to local areas. Reform House of Lords so that it is selected by trade and industry bodies as well as places like the Royal Academies to fill it with specialists as well as a smattering of the usual lawyers, religious types and ex politicians.

11) St Georges Day off. Everyone gets their birthday off.

 

[shmmeee]

Reg: Thanks for that. Understood.

Education is a pet hobby horse of mine because I firmly believe that the poor teaching standards and levels of discipline that have been tolerated in state schools are one of the root causes of so many of this country's problems.

ps: Lady Ernie gets Sainsburys deliveries!

With all due respect, you haven't got a fucking clue.

I went into teaching with all kinds of ideas about what was wrong, and that was on the back of a year of study into education. Every. Single. One. Was wrong. It's a massive living breathing organism with many many facets and some of the most talented and hard working people Ive met. Sure there are shit teachers, but on the whole behaviour is better than when I was at school, standards are light years ahead. Most major issues are caused by the economy no longer serving a certain type of student and poor parenting or unfortunate life circumstances. Until you get close to some of the stories, you really are talking out your arse on the topic.

 

[Grendel]

1) Lifelong education guarantee for any shortage profession up to degree level or trade equivalent. Some limits so people don't take the piss but generally if someone is in a shit job or no job and want to better themselves and the country needs more of that profession, there should be no barriers.

2) Free childcare from birth to 7 for 40 hours a week.

3) Three school types: Primary (7-10) Middle (11-14) Secondary (15-18) Comprehensive for the first two with tax on private schools. Secondary to be wide open to variety and competition. Trade schools, arts schools, grammars, whatever. At 18 choice of a proper apprenticeship, uni, or business startup support until 21.

4) Living wage for 21+. Increase social housing. Legislate for automation in utility/insurance/fiance switching so everyone is on the best deal at all times. Push self driving tech forward as much as possible. All times at bringing down living costs.

5) Immigration only for study, refugees or shortage jobs. Must offer apprenticeships to bring in high skill workers. Invest in R&D for replacing low end jobs like fruit picking and warehouse work. Crease British Productivity Agency: tasked with producing free and low cost tools and advice for improving productivity in British business.

6) Try to negotiate as close as we can to single market access without FoM. Doubt it could happen, but would accept high skill immigration or from countries with a certain standard of living. Not likely to not get vetoed though. In reality push for lowest possible trade barriers and cooperation on reaearch, climate, terrorism and policing.

7) Fund the NHS.

8) Bring in Land Value Tax to make it revenue neutral with council tax for most people, but hits high value property and promotes underused land. Give cash directly to local government and let them set rates. Legalise all drugs, some like cannabis regulated like alcohol and tobacco, others like crack and heroin more strongly controlled and monitored. Legalise prostitution. Tax everything, give it to the NHS/mental health services.

9) Update Data Protection Act to allow for automatic compensation for data created by UK citizens. Use this to rinse Facebook and Google of cash. Have opt out system for NHS data so we can utilise it to improve care and reduce costs.

10) Spread government around the country. Create English Parliament in Birmigham and reform Westminster to be a mix of representatives from each area of the UK. More power to local areas. Reform House of Lords so that it is selected by trade and industry bodies as well as places like the Royal Academies to fill it with specialists as well as a smattering of the usual lawyers, religious types and ex politicians.

11) St Georges Day off. Everyone gets their birthday off.

You missed 12.

A bollocks (you like that sort of rhetoric so I thought I'd engage) manifesto from an organisation that knew it would never be in a position to deliver it.

Why not spend a few minutes reading the IFS verdict on 1 to 11 and then come back to planet earth.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

Catch 22, would as many people use private schools if normal schools were up to scratch?

So spend the money on raising the state school standard, it's the lack of resources as much as anything, not the people.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

Couldn't agree more Rob and your last paragraph is the reason that Grammar Schools are so badly needed in this country. Far from being elitist, they give any child from any background a real opportunity to excel.

Only if the money isn't diverted from other schools to them.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

Worth mentioning also that to teach in an independent school you don't even have to be a qualified teacher or have a degree.

Always found that a bizarre paradox!