Scottish 16-year-old dies after glue sniffing.

Controversy over sex education film, “Growing Up”, and “The Little Red Schoolbook”.

1972 The school-leaving age raised to 16. James Report: recommends reorganisation of teacher training into three cycles: two year DipHE; one year professional studies followed by one year probation with day release for BA (Ed) degree; INSET equivalent to one full term every 7 years.

570 video recorders in UK schools.

Pupil governors appointed in Hounslow, Wolverhampton and Brighton.

1973 Britain enters the EEC.

NUT strikes for better London allowance.

First 600 Open University graduates.

Roy Hattersley reveals Labour plans to abolish public schools.

Middle East War triggers fuel crisis.

Miners’ strike leads to three-day week.

One million single-parent schoolchildren.

1974 Manpower Services Commission established with responsibilities for training and employment.

Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow (right) quits teaching for a better-paid job as a warehouse administrator.

National Foundation for Educational Research gives thumbs-down to primary French.

Houghton report increases teachers’ pay by 30 per cent, total cost pound;432 million.

1975 Black Paper proposes exams at seven, 11, 14.

Denis Healey cuts pound;76m from education.

William Tyndale school, Islington (opposite) taken over by inspectors.

BBC adult literacy series “On The Move”.

1976 Education Act compels reluctant LEAs to introduce comprehensive education.

Commission for Racial Equality established. Equal Opportunities Commission criticises Janet and John books.

Commons select committee accuses the DES of being “secretive”.

Woman teachers still paid on average 22 per cent less than men.

Callaghan’s Ruskin College speechlaunches Great Debate.

Education Secretary Shirley Williams stalls on 16-plus: asks Waddell Committee to consider feasibility.