Naz Sarkar, a maths teacher in Camden “Labour has begun to address the massive under-investment in schools. What it should do next is tackle the crisis in behaviour. A student at a private school has a calm atmosphere, but if you’re in a sink school in Hackney you have to duck because things are flying around the classroom.”

Matt Snowden, assistant community development worker from Bridlington: “The public is not aware of the good things Labour has done in education. The changes it has brought in have led to greater respect for teachers. But, I would like to see Labour do more on adult education, providing it in non-traditional environments like pubs.”

Mary Wallis-Jones, north London school governor and National Governors’

Council executive member: “Labour has had some wonderful policies for inner-city schools. (But) I am concerned about the accountability of academies and think it is wrong that they should be independent rather than part of the local education community.”

David Moore, retired teacher and governor of Longdendale community language college and Hollingworth primary in Thameside, Manchester: “Ministers still do not understand the pressures teachers are under because of inspections, league tables, and tests. I would like to see league tables abolished and the Government listen more to experts who understand the practicalities like Ted Wragg.”

Tony Hooper, retired teacher and Islwyn constituency member, south Wales:

“On the whole I am happy. But I am concerned about the increased use of support staff. I am worried that heads will use them to take a class for a whole day if a teacher is off.”