TOO often, in all kinds of careers, those who are best at the job end up being promoted out of it.

How wise, then, of the government, with its pledge to improve education, to come up with a new grade of highly-paid "super teacher" who will stay in the classroom rather than move on to management in search of higher pay.

Obviously, it is a mistake to lose the top teachers because the higher rungs of the career ladder are away from the chalkface.

Pupils need the benefit of their talent and their colleagues need both their inspiration and, now, the standards-improving goal of a top salary - up to £40,000 - for being a top teacher.

Already, the teaching unions are muttering about the new grade cutting across salary differentials and "divisions" being created in schools. But, surely, he aim is to encourage excellence, not cosset the mediocre. For improvement, not the abysmal status quo, ought to be the target.

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