Tomorrow’s bumper two-week TES has more festive fun than Father Christmas at a mince pie manufacturers’ convention. But surely the highlight - possibly the highlight of the whole year, if we’re being honest - is Noddy Holder remembering his favourite teacher. Altogether now: IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

Other seasonal sensations include the ever-brilliant Steve Eddison on how to forensically interpret what your pupils Xmas presents mean, and an interview with the head castigated as a Grinch when he cancelled the school’s festive shows to concentrate on learning.

The cover feature is fascinating too. We’ve asked a crack team of top educationalists and politicians - including education secretary Nicky Morgan and the great Sir Tim Brighouse - what single book they would recommend to all teachers. It’s a must-read.

As if that wasn’t enough, we have the insights of Alex Ferguson on leadership (surely essential for any wannabe school leader), the ever-controversial Claire Fox on how teachers should take on radicalisation, and a tribute to the late, great Ted Wragg 10 years after he passed away.

All in all, there’s way too much to miss.

Happy end of term everybody and a merry Christmas, too.

Find the 18 December edition of TES in all good newsagents. Alternatively, read the digital edition of TES on your tablet or phone or by downloading the TES Reader app for Android or iOS

TES will resume its weekly service on New Year’s Day