Here at The TES, we are sent many statistical analyses relating to education issues. All too often they relate to the promotion of commercial ventures.

For example, readers will be delighted to hear that more than half a million children will have returned to school this week with head lice. It is a sensational stat, and apparently demands a campaign among parents to cut these shocking numbers. The “once a week, take a peek” scheme is now up and running and includes a text service that reminds parents to have a rummage in their children’s hair.

You may think this is a positive - if eccentric - idea for teachers. Anything to reduce the prevalence of the little blighters, eh? But not as positive as it is for the manufacturer of Hedrin, which supports the campaign. And what’s Hedrin? Oddly enough, it’s an anti-head lice medication. Well, I never.