Solid state

Our schools have long been held up as an example to the world – and the ever-increasing number of international students shows that a British education is still very desirable. What has been less emphasised is that while our independent schools certainly have a lot to offer, so too do our state schools.

In this supplement, kindly sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, we take a look at the changing worlds of state and independent education. Sophia Waugh explains why she sent her children to a comprehensive, while Ysenda Maxtone Graham argues that most homework should be abolished. Or is the British system relaxed enough already? Cindy Yu explores the strict Chinese education system – and is glad she moved to the UK aged nine.

Former Eton headmaster Tony Little explains how neuroscience can explain the sometimes bizarre behaviour of teenage boys. And Katherine Whitbourn, who three decades after her last exam has just taken an AS-level, expresses her sympathy for adolescents everywhere.