They would agree, as would I, that teachers with the highest qualifications are not automatically the "best" teachers in the classroom.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Education | What makes a good teacher?

The researchers say that once they had taken in to account other factors which can affect educational achievement and earnings and the individuals' highest qualifications, there was a link between maths and pay.

BBC: Maths skills add up to higher earnings, study finds

From January 2014, "only the highest quality qualifications" will be included in the tables, the Department for Education said.

BBC: Many vocational courses axed from league tables

Gregory Rodriguez, a researcher at Pepperdine University, argues that foreign-born Hispanics have three advantages which help them make up for their lack of educational qualifications: the highest number of wage-earners per family of any ethnic group, the highest participation in the labour force, and stable families.

ECONOMIST: Immigration

Ms. Halligan has always practiced law with the highest ethical ideals, and her qualifications are beyond question.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

In the 2001 census, nearly half of people in Glasgow Springburn said they did not have any educational qualifications - the fourth highest figure in the UK - and almost two thirds said they had no car - second only to neighbouring Shettleston.

BBC: Profile of Glasgow North East

Dr Corrigan added that vocational and technical studies should not be seen as inferior, but that meant ensuring the qualifications on offer should be of the highest quality.

BBC: Apprenticeships 'should last three years' - report