It is not just enough to improve the quality of the teaching standards, as was done in the past, it is also important to improve the overall quality of school leadership and management to allow teachers to become more effective in their roles.

UNESCO: Professional Standards for School Principals: Tuvalu Initial Workshop | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

"If my management team don't think something will improve standards in our school, we disregard it, " she said.

BBC: Blair honours improved schools

Much of what the government can do would not cost much: for example, passing laws to promote stability in teachers' careers and improve training standards, and encouraging and disseminating good practice, whether in teaching methods or school management.

ECONOMIST: Start at the beginning