Today, 8 March, is results day for all those pupils who took A-level exams in January. Traditionally this was known as retake results day, as most of the candidates in this mid-winter session were resitting their papers from the previous summer to improve their grades or even achieve at least some pass grades. Nowadays, the clientele for this set of exams has changed enormously, as have their academic ambitions. Many January candidates have been taking early AS and A2 modules for the first time, in each of the sixth form years. Whether their results are good or bad, quite a few then take decisive action before the main June sessions and sign up for one of the many organised revision courses that are run by schools, colleges and tutoring agencies during the Easter holidays.

It's a social hub for parents and pupils, a place to enjoy family meals, and a way to draw a deprived community into school life, says Dorothy Lepkowska.

Hilary Wilce sees an innovative scheme in action at a London comprehensive

There was one voice missing in the debate earlier this month over when children should start reading Dickens – that of the children themselves.

Whisper it not but I think I have found a role for those 5,000 head teachers that the new Chief Inspector of Schools, Sir Michael Wilshaw, says are not up to scratch.

I always like to see a touch of optimism in the face of what is perceived to be adversity.

It seems the trend of headteachers likening themselves to famous American cowboys is continuing.

League tables are only one of many factors for parents to consider when deciding upon an independent school or college

Prior practice is vital to a good entrance assessment, but pushy parents will only make it harder for their children

The school, which was one of the worst-performing secondaries in the country, managed to climb back up the rankings in less than four years.

Okay, folks, prepare yourself for the all singing and dancing new government exam league tables! The secondary school performance tables, to give them their proper name, have been given a makeover by Education Secretary Michael Gove.

I knew when I quoted Chris Keates saying last year's teachers' union ballot on pensions proved her union was the biggest in the land, that would not be an end of the matter.

How did an article in The Independent lead to the creation of a portable school for Burmese refugee children?

A word in your ear, Education Secretary Michael Gove. You might like to get your speech-writer to check whether his or her spellchecker is functioning properly.

The UK's largest teaching union has begun industrial action. But with schools still open, its leader is convinced families will be right behind it, she tells Richard Garner