“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats. The end of term is nigh and this is the final edition of SecEd for this academic year.

It seemed the perfect opportunity for us to thank all of you for your continued support for SecEd and what we are trying to achieve.

Our ethos is one of support and solidarity for our nation’s hard-working school staff – be they teachers, leaders, support staff, or any of the myriad of other crucial positions we now have in our schools.

To my mind, the UK education system is one of the best in the world – some of the work going on in our schools in the face of tremendous and over-bearing pressure from government is nothing short of phenomenal.

National media, other commentators and even some education ministers are too concerned with criticising schools. But not at SecEd. Of course there are some massive challenges for our schools. However, we tackle these challenges with a constructive and positive approach – seeking your views and offering practical advice and guidance, much of which is written by practising professionals.

Those that carp and take cheap shots at our schools and the professionals within them have rarely had experience of what life as a teacher is like. They are ignorant commentators who would do well to remember that teaching is, beyond anything, the most important profession there is – and one of the hardest as well.

Another vital part of what SecEd stands for is celebration – celebrating what is great in our schools, and sharing it.

Yeats’ view of education is how it should be. It sums up so much of the excellent work that you all do day-in day-out. It came to my mind as we compiled our report on the first ever “Shine Week” (right), which involved 2,500 schools and was set up purely to celebrate the talent of our young people.

SecEd will continue to fight your corner in September, we will continue to campaign for less pressure on schools and more freedom to innovate. Over-testing and assessment, and the fight to end league tables will continue to be a huge focus. (Perhaps our ministers should listen to Yeats.) We will continue to offer support and spread best practice and innovation.

But for now, take a look at the photos on page 2. Shine Week epitomises the reason you all do what you do. Take a step back and feel proud of what you and your students have achieved this year, and look forward to a well-earned break this summer.

We’ll be back in September, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you as you continue to light fires in our nation’s children.