Cart before the horse

"THE EDUCATION of young people will be my Government's first priority.

"They will work to raise standards in schools, colleges and universities and to promote lifelong learning at the workplace." (THES May 16).

I was intrigued by this new aspect of Labour's education policy, as revealed in the Queen's speech. Making children and students responsible for raising standards seems a novel plan. Perhaps they should start with grammar.

Diane Hay, Careers adviser, University of Bath