It is difficult to sum up a piece of legislation which contains so many issues. Ministers have repeatedly referred to four principles which underlie the legislation. One is specific to education relating to good student behaviour and discipline through improving the quality of teaching.

In terms of the Parliamentary debate this means giving additional disciplinary powers to teachers and lecturers. The other three appear across the Coalition Government’s approach to public services, namely sharpened accountability; the freeing up of, and giving more flexibility to, professionals to do their jobs; and the fairer use of resources.