OK, so I’m a fiftysomething deputy head, I am going to have to pay more for my pension but receive less and work longer. My wife gave up work to look after the family but because I am in the higher tax band we are losing child benefit.

My older children have all been to university, but my youngest probably won’t be able to afford it. But what really depresses me is that you had to explain what a Banda machine was (“The Staffroom: enter if you dare”, TES Magazine, October 29). Now I really feel decrepit. Thanks.

John Pearce, Maghull, Liverpool.