He also believed anything which helped to make maths easier was a great way forward.

There was nothing which made maths easier or any fun when I was at school; thankfully it didn't turn me off the subject but it didn't help a lot of other people. My experience of schools these days is that things have changed. Children do count using their fingers if it helps and there are a lot more fun things to do, games and maths days.

I can see what Lizzie is saying that school does not appear to be for every child but a lot of parents would not have the time or ability or even inclination to home school their child. There are now special schools where school refusers can be taught very successfully.

There is no doubt that a few schools and a few teachers are poor but they are in the minority. The majority of schools and teachers make the educating process a good experience for most children. Sweeping generalisations about all schools and all teachers are just not fair.