A measure of that difficulty can be seen in the article which we publish this week concerning Quarrendon School and the decison of the head teacher there to exclude pupils who had a record of either behaving badly, being excluded from lessons or had an attendance level below 90 per cent, from taking part in a mufti day at school with end-of-term activities.

Nevertheless the head teacher made a robust defence of his position: the whole point of the day was praise the majority, not exclude the minority, it was to focus on those who 'wear their uniform, who every single day without fail exceed expectations but often fall below the radar...we are raising the bar and standard at this school'.

It is perhaps a feature, and for some, a criticism of our times that undue consideration is given to the perpetrators of wrong-doing rather than praising and helping to build up the self-esteem of those who dilligently go about their daily tasks.

In this respect the action and logic behind the head's actions seem laudable, and a statement of conviction of the way forward for the school and the standards expected of those who want to learn there.

But as with any action, for whatever reason undertaken, there will always be those 'special cases' who are undeservedly bracketed with the minority and feel unfairly treated.

The head has assessed the situation and determined a course of action. Now he needs the support of all parents for the ultimate benefit of the whole school – including those who now feel aggrieved.