TS noted that our chums over at The Guardian have run a story saying that schools should bring in accountants and wordly-wise business heads to help run schools, supported by a head of teaching and learning.

OK, TS mused, education's the most important thing, but books have to be balanced etc More business people is not a bad idea. The firms will do well out of this, was the next thought. Especially the Big Four and their 'special relationship' with the government and public sector: secondments beckon.

The report itself? Undertaken by PwC for the Department of Education and Skills. Obviously audit and tax revenues are plateauing...so expect a breakdown on 'school consulting' fee revenue in next year's Accountancy Age Top 50 league table.