At some state grammar schools one third or more offers of places are going to pupils from fee-paying prep schools.

BBC: Kent 11-plus 'unfair advantage' for private pupils

Unless preps are near state grammar schools and hence have a secure niche drilling children for the 11-plus exams, they may seek to merge with secondary schools, which can then market an all-through education insulated from the vicissitudes of competitive entry at 11 or 13 years of age.

ECONOMIST: Selling schooling in a downturn

The state of Oregon has held perhaps the strangest vote, on the use of improved grammar and spelling in the state's constitution.

BBC: Maine and two other US states vote for gay marriage