I want there to be an open and positive debate about the path the country will now take. Whatever the verdict of that debate I will respect it.

The single most important thing in a child's performance is the quality of the teacher. Making sure a child spends the maximum amount of time with inspirational teachers is the most important thing.

It is literally the case that learning languages makes you smarter. The neural networks in the brain strengthen as a result of language learning.

Learning a foreign language, and the culture that goes with it, is one of the most useful things we can do to broaden the empathy and imaginative sympathy and cultural outlook of children.

For a few spotty years, I was that tragic geek

Proper history teaching is being crushed under the weight of play-based pedagogy which infantilises children, teachers and our culture.

I'm a decentralizer. I believe in trusting professionals.

It's often the case that successful people invite criticism.

I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris [Johnson] cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead.

I have a different starting premise from those 100 academics who are so heavily invested in the regime of low expectations and narrow horizons which they have created.

I will take all the steps necessary to give the NHS at least another £100million per week by 2020.

We are in the process of disabling our most distinctive achievement - our educational system - in the name of making the country more like itself.

In fact, you"-he pointed his fork at me-"look like a fairy tale.

What I wanted to express very clearly and intensely was that the reason these people had to invent or imagine heroes and gods is pure fear. Fear of life and fear of death.

There are poisons that blind you, and poisons that open your eyes.

Never let us be guilty of sacrificing any portion of truth on the altar of peace.

She [my wife] has had a Caesarean, so she can't bend over. It's a good excuse [for not changing nappies], I suppose.

Sin is not just action. It's life direction.

And Christ says of that which is blessed, which is offered, received, eaten and drunk: This is My body; this is My blood.

Hoping gets you nothing in life. If you want more in life it’s your job to earn it.

Keep Right on to the End of the Road