On the train the other day I overheard two students from my old high school, talking about the pros and cons of various teachers. I had to chuckle when a couple of familiar names popped up: Mr Kite and Ms Lester. Still there, 18 years after I left. (Gawd. 18 years. It’s a long time.)

I assume it was the last day for year 12s the day before. As I went past I noted big banners up — something about Year 12 (no doubt proclaiming how great they were) along with some kind of politically satirical slogans about North Korea. Glad to see the students of today are switched-on to world politics. (Ho yes, I do sound like an old man when I say things like that.)

The school has many traditions, including a very active Old Boys Association (which I’m ashamed to say I haven’t been a paid member of for some time… maybe I should rejoin). I’ve been pondering the fact that in all probability, my kids won’t get to go there, because entry — by exam, with the school picking the brightest — is very, very competitive.

And it’s getting moreso every year, which I’ve noted via some of the discussions I’ve heard from their students on other occasions… one I recall was not discussing the latest popular music, computer games or TV shows, but something extremely complicated (that I certainly couldn’t understand) in the field of mathematics.

But ultimately it’s not wearing the same old school tie that’s most important, it’s the quality of the education, and I’m confident my kids will get that where they’re going, and with the bonus that, like my old school it’s also government, so I won’t be paying through the nose to do it.