Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
The NASUWT and NUT, representing nine out of 10 teachers, are taking strike action across four regions of England today.
This follows two previous waves of rolling strikes which took place at the end of June and on October 1.
The strike action has received overwhelming support from teachers demonstrating their deep anger and frustration at the failure of the coalition government to take seriously their concerns about the impact of the relentless assault which has been waged on their pay, pensions, conditions of service and jobs for the last three years.
With 12,000 fewer teachers since 2010 and dwindling resources, Scotland’s schools desperately need investment to support diverse learners rather than empty promises from politicians, writes ANDREA BRADLEY
MATT WRACK issues a clarion call for a rejuvenation of public services for the sake of our communities and our young people
With 170,000 children living in poverty in north-east England and teachers leaving in droves over 20 per cent real-terms pay cuts since 2010, all while private companies siphon off billions, it is time to unite and fight for education, writes MATT WRACK


