House Notes with Martin Horwood

POLITICIANS make mistakes. Commentators are always quick to point them out and demand apologies. It's quite unusual for them to get one.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's apology over tuition fees was inevitably lampooned within hours by a spoof music video.

I actually thought it was rather good. So did Nick – a politician who can not only apologise but can also take a joke, shock!

But I later took part in a radio interview alongside controversial former London mayor Ken Livingstone and once disgraced Tory ex-minister David Mellor, both of whom have been vilified in the media themselves, and neither would give an ounce of credit to Nick. There's no pleasing some people.

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Also apologising was new Tory Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell for his outburst at Downing Street police who were there to protect him. It was excruciating timing, given the recent tragic deaths of two courageous police officers in Manchester.

I know Andrew quite well from his time as International Development Secretary, a job in which he excelled. I'm sure his regret is genuine but his critics too are in an unforgiving mood.

Highlights of the week:

Sunday: Battle of Britain commemoration event on the Prom. A smaller occasion than the full-blown Remembrance Day service but just as moving. What a debt we still owe to "the few".

Friday: Education, education, education. First a Tesco equipment presentation to Gloucester Road and Rowanfield children who rose to the special occasion (and the free grapes and doughnuts). Next, a ribbon ceremony at the Ridge School, newly established in Whaddon.

I was struck by the determination and love shown by Heather Ingram and her staff and the calm and good behaviour on show from the children, who often had real problems in bigger schools.

Finally, a coffee with Amanda Ford, an old friend and new chair of governors at Pittville School, now aiming to improve still further on its best ever results this year and develop its innovative partnership with Balcarras.

A good school day.