HOW many people like me were optimistic when Tony Blair said the words "education, education, education" back in 1997?

Yet since 1997, two million children have left school barely able to read, write or add up and 60 per cent of 16-year-olds fail to reach the national standard in maths and English.

For far too many children, the symptoms of educational failure manifest themselves in truancy, indiscipline, and disaffection.

In addition, our children are now the most tested in Europe - but over-doing tests doesn't improve education. It just increases stress and wastes money on bureaucracy.

Nelson Mandela said: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Can there be a better vision for education?

ALEX KEAR,

Councillor, Claines Ward,

Worcester.