We need extra teachers, not more daft initiatives

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There is no simple answer. Every year that we check details, parents amend their address or move in to temporary accommodation. Siblings out of the area do not receive a place and we are the target for angry parents.

It's league tables and SAT scores that create popularity isn't it? No, it's not. Parents don't ask me anymore about our slip down the table - they want to know what makes us special, open and inviting.

Standards come with purpose, not teaching to tests - as we know happens when heads are under pressure.

The Government wants community cohesion but what do you do if you're full? Expand we are told, but you can't, even if it were possible. What about lotteries as a way to allocate sought-after places? Come on down, Mrs Smith... who lives 10 miles away. Lotteries are daft and don't exactly fit with that "community cohesion" plotline.

How about throwing money at the unpopular schools to improve them? Unfortunately, that doesn't work either.

My prescription: abandon all the daft initiatives and pilots and let us employ at least two or three more teachers.

This would make a difference in all schools, children would get personal learning, and those with difficulties as well as the able would get the attention they deserve. Then, heads could focus on their schools and improve them.