So what do they try next?

Recently released government statistics show that poorer pupils in primary education are still under-performing, when compared with pupils from more affluent families.

Of children in receipt of free school meals, (FSM) 63% achieved a level 4 in their Maths SATS, - the level expected of 11-year-olds. This compares with 81% of those not in receipt of FSM.

In English there was a similar result, among FSM children 65% achieved level 4, compared with 84% among their richer counterparts. In science FSM children 77% achieved level four, while in the non-FSM children the achievement level was 90%.

Worst achievement of all was among white boys from poor homes, except for the children from "traveller" families. White boys achieved 57% success, compared with the overall average across all groups of 81%. The white boys seem to drag down the average for FSM children generally.

The difference in attainment may reflect a difference in natural ability, but a more predominant cause seems to be home circumstances other than income. Higher income and professional parents seem to understand the need for them to read to their children and encourage them to read as well. There are books at home which stimulate an enquiring mind. Parents give their time to talking to their children, and go on visits with them.

It is hard to be a single parent, living on benefit or low income and limited energy. It is hard for children to reinforce lessons in reading, Maths and Science, when there is little time or interest at home, and where their parents may have "flunked" education themselves.

It is difficult to see how the disadvantaged children can develop their potential until our broken society is fixed. In any Tory government it is to be hoped that the work of Ian Duncan Smith will illuminate policy in all areas but especially in welfare and education.