come across far too many who have gained admission to higher or further education who for practical purposes cannot read write add subtract think or use language grammatically.

I am sure that is perfectly true, Richard. But does it equate to the 'School leavers cannot read and write' quoted in the survey? It is the use of these soundbites that politicians and the media so love that causes half these arguments in the first place.

One thing that I think everyone on here is in agreement with is that class sizes are too large in a lot of cases. This is not, as you point out, the fault of poor teaching. Quite the opposite. That teachers can continue to perform so well in such difficult circumstances amazes me.

The major bone of centention seems to be what you call 'the creation of hiding places and excuses for the feckless by the wifty-wafty. ' Very eloquent. Is that the legal term? :-D

Cheers

DeG