The Labour government seems to be taking a very ideological approach to education policy, apparently reversing many of the policies of the previous Conservative administration on principle.

The champion of traditional discipline and rigour, headmistress Katherine Birbalsingh, recently laid out the strands of the new approach in the Spectator. One that should be of particular concern for Catholics is the attack on the teaching of Latin.

They are ending a scheme, costing a tiny £4 million and which enabled a number of state schools to fund the subject, half-way through the academic year, meaning that those children, including many in deprived areas, who have invested scores of hours in it will be prevented from sitting the GCSE. There is something a little unhinged about this dislike of Latin.