EMPLOYMENT Minister Chris Grayling’s ‘Hire a hoodie’ speech stating “very often the surly young man in a hoodie who turns up unwilling to work can turn into an excited and motivated employee” is a prime example of our sub-standard society.

When children leave school and apply for jobs, they should be well educated, well mannered and well behaved – not slovenly, surly and stupid. The work ethic should be instilled with training in logical discussion techniques, being able to understand all sides of an argument.

Teachers should have practical working backgrounds prior to teacher training; otherwise they are of no practical use to pupils. Teacher age should be 30 years minimum and smart dress mandatory. Older, more practically minded teachers command more respect from children.

School uniform should be obligatory and will help eliminate bullying based on ‘fashion clothing’, and instil a teamwork mind-set.

Competition in all subjects must be obligatory, toughening up pupils and eradicating the current cotton wool-wrapped mentality. There should be reliance on full parent/teacher co-operation, supporting full attendance and homework completion, and teaching on how to deal with failure and move on. Pupils’ out-of-school behaviour should be part of the school report, for example if they bring the school into disrepute.

Pupils must understand that their behaviour during their school years shapes their future and it is their responsibility to get it right. This can only be achieved when pupils, parents and teachers all take this on board.

Anything less is abject failure, but will Chris Grayling recognise this?

MICK HEAVEY Oxford Road Old Marston