The argument between state and private education continues unabated. Let me put my cards on the table. I went to Harrow, feel immensely fortunate and privileged to have done so and am not remotely ashamed of my education. Indeed, I see so clearly where, how and why the state sector must start to emulate its independent cousin if future generations of children are to succeed in an ever increasingly competitive world. Of course, to compare one with the other is fraught with difficulties, not least because the children in the independent sector are more often than not from better off backgrounds. However, put that to one side, for a moment, and think basics. My recent visit to meet the new head at the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester was illuminating. Michael Foley has decided to create three new 'houses', each with its own 'housemaster'. This is, of course, how the private system works, and well. As Mr Foley said, how can he, personally, account for over 1,000 youngsters in his charge. Why not delegate some of that responsibility, to ensure that a closer eye can be kept on a student's progress. Such a system also introduces competition, a word that socialists and liberals loathe because they interpret this as elitism, and we all must be the same, naturally. It really is time to shout from the rooftops about the benefits of private education until the penny drops across the country that striving for excellence is to be nurtured, encouraged and, hopefully, achieved.