Lizzie, Daisybell has stated that she goes to a single sex state school. Now I believe her and as far as I can see so does everyone else who has posted here.

It sounds very similar to the school that both my daughters went to. They each did twelve GCSEs and went onto A levels and then University.   It was mixed is the only difference

There are plenty of grammar schools around some retain the title some don't. There are a number of state single sex schools. I am surprised that as an expert on education you didn't know that.

I know Dasiybell goes to one. How? Because she said so and I believe her. If you had spent anytime reading the written work of young people you would recognise it as convincing and truthful.

You must have had some really weird experiences down there in the South West to write what you do. And get your knowledge indiscriminately from from the Daily Mail and the internet with little understanding or critical analysis. Let me rephrase that. No understanding or critical analysis.

You know the EWO liking your children is not unusual, Despite what you say, most teachers are like that too. It's impossible to be involved with students or teaching and not like them. Teaching is a tough job, and the main reason why people do it is the look of pleasure on a young person's face when they have achieved something. The vast bulk of my teaching was with older students on Access courses, As a matter of interest was one - so I knew what difficulties they faced. Seeing them come out of the degree ceremony, having started with no qualifications whatsoever - well at that point I would have worked for nothing.

Most teachers will have a story of ex-students for whom education has made a real difference. Mine is usually the quadriplegic student who is completing his M.A.

Just think for a minute. He cannot speak, write, or walk He can't feed himself, dress himself or do any bodily function without assistance. Whilst he was studying at the Sheffield College he was a constant inspiration to the rest of the students. I wished we had had a dozen of him.

And having got a 2:1 at University he has gone on to do an MA. I don't see that as a tribute to his teachers or his support staff, parents and all the others who helped him - though he might. But I do see it as a tribute to him.

So don't slag off the teaching profession as a whole, don't slag off the education system and don't question young people's motivations.

Please.