And Chris Keates, head of the NASUWT teaching union, said local authorities and governing bodies were not taking issues linked to asbestos seriously enough and were failing to comply with their statutory responsibilities.

BBC: Asbestos danger 'in many schools'

"We actually would be prepared to put in for a cooperative trust school and take on the responsibility of running that school, crucially enabling the head and teaching staff and support staff to do what they do best - and that's get on with their job of improving the results which they've done for the last three years now, " Mr Hookway adds.

BBC: Today

Ms Shuter, who had been in post since 2002, was named head teacher of the year at the 2007 Teaching Awards and appointed CBE in June 2010.

BBC: Head teacher Jo Shuter reinstated after misconduct probe

Jeff Bissell, head of the Chinese American International School in San Francisco, says teaching is "evolving" as metrics and standards are established.

WSJ: To Improve Kids' Chinese, Some Parents Move to Asia

What went on in the officer's head is something that I can only guess but, based on over 30 years of experience in the doing, teaching and studying of the police profession, I would venture to say that race had nothing to do with the behavior displayed and that the sub-culture of police work dictated the action, more than any possible bias or prejudice.

CNN: Commentary: Obama's rush to judgment on police