We all want opportunities for our children and education is a key priority. The Government believes that teachers - not politicians and bureaucrats - should control schools.

That is why schools are being given the opportunity to apply for Academy status.

This gives heads more power to tackle disruptive children, to protect and reward teachers better, and to give children the specialist teaching they need.

I am also strongly supporting applications for new Free Schools and am very pleased that a new Free School in Mill Hill was amongst the first to be announced by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Education.