As another year gets underway, what big decisions face schools and what challenges face the education secretary? Sir Mike Griffiths outlines what he sees as the key challenges

Politicians and the media have something in common – a belief that there are simple answers to complex problems; that a solution is just around the corner. It rarely is.

When considering the challenges facing education, clearly finance and its real-terms decline is front and centre. That is a given. The secretary of state for education must simply argue in cabinet for a greater slice of the cake. Over to you, Mr Hinds...

There are, of course, other important challenges. I want to focus on four: recruitment, curriculum, accountability, and destinations.

A world-class education system requires a constant supply of outstanding teachers. Pay is only part of the story. Everyone – from Damian Hinds to you – yes you – must promote teaching; the joy of helping the development of mind, intellect and attitudes of young people as they grow into adulthood. Smile! Be joyous! Be positive! Maybe more of your students will want to join us.

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