>> When I was at primary school, we used to do english folk singing and dancing as part of the curriculum. <<

Yes, I remember that too - was it "Time and Tune" on the radio? I heard a lot of traditonal songs back then. Some of them I liked, some of them I didn't (or not, at least, until many years later), but it was at least some kind of exposure to the tradition, albeit with posh voices and clodhopping piano accompaniments. More folk music in schools is something I'm completely in agreement with you about. It exists, but it's very patchy and usually seems to depend on an existing member of staff being an enthusiast. The national curriculum doesn't help, I'm sure.