As many of you will have observed from paying even the scantest attention to the news over the years, there are certain themes that develop when governments enact unpopular measures. There are trends that emerge, arguments that are repeatedly made, until the dust settles and the affected populace ends up trying to make the best of things, as they always do. We’ve seen this story a thousand times.

PLEASING news from the GCSE students last week, who seem to have done themselves proud. 96 percent attained enough points to study overseas.