'If I Were Education Secretary...': Views from the frontline

"Why do they have to keep on changing things?" It's a characteristic complaint from teachers and leaders in all parts of the UK, but especially in England.

Our political system means we are locked into short-term cycles. Politicians come and politicians go. In education departments it means there is a revolving door of ministers, each often eager to implement their own priorities and projects.

Civil servants jump, new directions are announced, plans are made ... and then suddenly the minister...