Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 September 2017, 17:19:59

Title: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 September 2017, 17:19:59

Not exotic and Italian like the Maserati owned by Ianu but a nice place to be.  :y  Bought from Spire Jaguar in Watford with just 8700 miles on the clock and a 2 year approved Jaguar warranty.

Very good price for my 13 plate XFR so I though f*uck it why not. :)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2w36l9l.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/2n8r0o6.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/2latso1.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/2nsthzt.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/29e0fiw.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2u8ur6b.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/9gx641.jpg)

Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 September 2017, 17:21:50
One of the last made. New XF makes do with a nancy boy 3 litre supercharged V6.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: b4ndit on 13 September 2017, 17:27:39
very nice great colour :y
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: minifreek on 13 September 2017, 17:35:52
Surprising what a Mondeo looks like with a bodykit fitted LOL



















Seriously though, thats a very very nice car indeed. Your a lucky fella to have 1 of those :y
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: henryd on 13 September 2017, 17:37:44
Very nice Opti,lovely colour too,not jealous at all here y'Bastid ;)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 13 September 2017, 17:39:14
Very, very nice Opti 8) 8) :-* :-* :y :y

If and when my Omega gives up I'll buy it off you :D :D ;) ;)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 13 September 2017, 17:45:35
Very nice indeed 8)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: YZ250 on 13 September 2017, 18:18:30
Very nice, and a lovely colour.  :y
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: TD on 13 September 2017, 18:24:46
Sorry, but not a fan of the XF.

Its the small rad grill and the big plastic lumps either side of it puts me off.....
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 September 2017, 18:27:31
Very, very nice Opti 8) 8) :-* :-* :y :y

If and when my Omega gives up I'll buy it off you :D :D ;) ;)

Thanks Lizzie.

If you're a good girl I'll let you take hold of the wheel. :-* :-* :-* :-*

 You should be able to feel it writhe and twitch appreciatively in the palm of your hand as the excitement mounts. :)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 September 2017, 18:29:22
Sorry, but not a fan of the XF.

Its the small rad grill and the big plastic lumps either side of it puts me off.....

No need to apologise.

We all have our likes and dislikes. ;)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 13 September 2017, 18:30:49
Very nice M'lud!  8)   :y
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Shackeng on 13 September 2017, 18:41:58
Sorry, but not a fan of the XF.

Its the small rad grill and the big plastic lumps either side of it puts me off.....

Exactly what put me off a Merc. :y
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 13 September 2017, 19:28:01
Very, very nice Opti 8) 8) :-* :-* :y :y

If and when my Omega gives up I'll buy it off you :D :D ;) ;)

Thanks Lizzie.

If you're a good girl I'll let you take hold of the wheel. :-* :-* :-* :-*

 You should be able to feel it writhe and twitch appreciatively in the palm of your hand as the excitement mounts. :)


Oooooooooooo, you are awful Opti!! :o :o ;D ;D ;D :-* :-* :y
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Lincs Robert on 13 September 2017, 19:36:25
Sorry, but not a fan of the XF.

Its the small rad grill and the big plastic lumps either side of it puts me off.....

You're just jealous
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 September 2017, 20:10:54
Very, very nice Opti 8) 8) :-* :-* :y :y

If and when my Omega gives up I'll buy it off you :D :D ;) ;)

Thanks Lizzie.

If you're a good girl I'll let you take hold of the wheel. :-* :-* :-* :-*

 You should be able to feel it writhe and twitch appreciatively in the palm of your hand as the excitement mounts. :)


Oooooooooooo, you are awful Opti!! :o :o ;D ;D ;D :-* :-* :y

.......but I like you.

Where you a Dick Emery fan , Lizzie? :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: 2boxerdogs on 13 September 2017, 20:13:46
A great looking car .😀
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: biggriffin on 13 September 2017, 20:33:16
Very nice car m'lud.

I especially like the views across your estate.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Viral_Jim on 13 September 2017, 20:36:08
Lovely looking motor in a very nice colour.  :y.

Are there any differences/enhancements between this and your previous one? Other than a sunshine roof that is.  :)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 September 2017, 20:45:33
Lovely looking motor in a very nice colour.  :y.

Are there any differences/enhancements between this and your previous one? Other than a sunshine roof that is.  :)

Just the speedpack.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: tunnie on 13 September 2017, 20:48:57
Very nice  :y

Not sure why they started adding word Jaguar under the rear boot badge. I think they look smarter without this.

I very much liked the XF when I was looking, really liked. But I was look at the far superior 3.0d  :P :P :P

Still tempted to swap VW for XF one day.  :-\
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Lincs Robert on 13 September 2017, 20:50:32
Lovely looking motor in a very nice colour.  :y.

Are there any differences/enhancements between this and your previous one? Other than a sunshine roof that is.  :)

Just the speedpack.

What's a speedPack?
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 September 2017, 21:10:28
Very nice  :y

Not sure why they started adding word Jaguar under the rear boot badge. I think they look smarter without this.

I very much liked the XF when I was looking, really liked. But I was look at the far superior 3.0d  :P :P :P

Still tempted to swap VW for XF one day.  :-\

I totally agree.

Apparently Jaguar are not well known in emerging markets around the world and the leaper alone is not enough for identification. That is what I hear.

I shall see how easy it is to remove the Jaguar badge.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 September 2017, 21:14:44
Lovely looking motor in a very nice colour.  :y.

Are there any differences/enhancements between this and your previous one? Other than a sunshine roof that is.  :)

Just the speedpack.

What's a speedPack?


Different rear spoiler......very slightly different front spoiler.......speed limiter raised to 174 MPH......slight ECU changes to gearbox and suspension.

£2750. :)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Mr Gav on 13 September 2017, 22:47:44
Looks gorgeous in that colour  8)

Still should have gone for the F-Type though and sod the practicalities  ;D
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 13 September 2017, 23:14:11
Looks gorgeous in that colour  8)


Agreed!  :y

Perhaps our Lord could post up pictures of old and new so we can compare?  And a poll maybe?  :)

Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Mister Rog on 13 September 2017, 23:16:59

Oh c'mon grow up what's the matter with you. Are you just trying to "pull" or something, you know, get a fannymagnet on wheels ?

Oh, I see it's a competitive thing. Subconsciously, you feel that your masculinity is threatened by . . . . . .Da dada da  . . . . . STEMO   :o

 . . . . so you need to compensate somehow      ;)      ;D


Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 13 September 2017, 23:18:28
 ;D
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 09:14:04

Oh c'mon grow up what's the matter with you. Are you just trying to "pull" or something, you know, get a fannymagnet on wheels ?

Oh, I see it's a competitive thing. Subconsciously, you feel that your masculinity is threatened by . . . . . .Da dada da  . . . . . STEMO   :o

 . . . . so you need to compensate somehow      ;)      ;D

Mr Rog.....may I suggest you are spending too much time in the intimate company of your white woolly friends. ;) :D
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: BazaJT on 14 September 2017, 09:31:09
Wasn't the name Jaguar embossed into the bit that appears black[used to be chrome]between the tail lights?The ones on your car should be easy enough to remove as I would imagine that like the lettering on the Omega bootlid[and a load-if not all-of other cars too]they're only stuck on.Still looks-in side profile at least-too much like a Kia Optima for me.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 14 September 2017, 09:47:06
Still looks-in side profile at least-too much like a Kia Optima for me.

Ouch!  :o  ;D
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Lagondanet on 14 September 2017, 09:50:42
Very nice! Good luck with it. :y
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Viral_Jim on 14 September 2017, 10:05:08
Still looks-in side profile at least-too much like a Kia Optima for me.

Truly a vicious blow  :o

That said, I reckon I've seen many fewer optimas than I have XFs
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Mister Rog on 14 September 2017, 10:21:03

Oh c'mon grow up what's the matter with you. Are you just trying to "pull" or something, you know, get a fannymagnet on wheels ?

Oh, I see it's a competitive thing. Subconsciously, you feel that your masculinity is threatened by . . . . . .Da dada da  . . . . . STEMO   :o

 . . . . so you need to compensate somehow      ;)      ;D

Mr Rog.....may I suggest you are spending too much time in the intimate company of your white woolly friends. ;) :D


Hmmmm, possibly. But they like me for my personality and wit, not my flash car     ::)

(anyway to them a "flash car" would be a Land Rover Defender   ;)  )
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 10:29:33
Still looks-in side profile at least-too much like a Kia Optima for me.

Ouch!  :o  ;D


Nothing wrong with a Kia Optima. I'm sure Jaguar will be flattered by the comparison. :y

I hope to aspire to the Kia brand given time. :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 14 September 2017, 10:41:40
Maybe Baza was confusing the Kia Optima with the new Kia Stinger.  :-\   If so he may have a point?  :)

https://www.kia.com/us/en/content/vehicles/upcoming-vehicles/2018-stinger
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: TheBoy on 14 September 2017, 10:47:47
I've always liked the XF since it launched, and I really do like that colour Opti :y.

And the arse is much prettier than the XJ.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 10:48:44
Maybe Baza was confusing the Kia Optima with the new Kia Stinger.  :-\   If so he may have a point?  :)

https://www.kia.com/us/en/content/vehicles/upcoming-vehicles/2018-stinger

More Audi RS7 to my eyes. Especially at the back.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 10:53:21
I've always liked the XF since it launched, and I really do like that colour Opti :y.

And the arse is much prettier than the XJ.

I think it's the arse of the XJ that gives it character. :y

It's different.

Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 14 September 2017, 11:05:26
I like that, I am a big fan of the XF and its a car I have considered (not convinced I can totally afford the running costs on 25k miles per year), the V6 turbo is also a beast of an engine though!
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: TheBoy on 14 September 2017, 11:09:19
I like that, I am a big fan of the XF and its a car I have considered (not convinced I can totally afford the running costs on 25k miles per year), the V6 turbo is also a beast of an engine though!
Soot chuckers available, 300bhp for newish ones, options of 235 or 270bhp for older ones.  Assuming, of course, you wouldn't be daft enough to go for the 2.2 smoker.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 14 September 2017, 13:13:31
A perfect mode of transport for a Socialist. We should all have one, complete with a bottle of Champagne in the fridge.  :D
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 13:37:43
A perfect mode of transport for a Socialist. We should all have one, complete with a bottle of Champagne in the fridge.  :D

Nothing wrong with a champagne socialist. :P :P :P

I would like everybody to be able to enjoy such things.

Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 14 September 2017, 13:44:48
Yay, I got a bite.  :D ;D
If everyone had one, everyone would want a Bentley or a Ferrari. Its human nature - aspiration, and its why socialism can never work.  ;)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 13:47:10
A perfect mode of transport for a Socialist. We should all have one, complete with a bottle of Champagne in the fridge.  :D

Not all socialists wear a cloth cap own a whippet and keep a ferret down their trousers, Mr Albitz. ::) :P :P

Socialism is about everyone having the same opportunities regardless of wealth and status. :) That is why I disagree with tuition fees.


Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 13:54:43
......and I agree with grammar schools. People tell me they are elitist but I think they are the exact opposite.

Working class kids working hard to pass their 11 plus than going on to university free of charge. :y

Just because not everyone will achieve from a working class background doesn't mean we should stop those that can.

Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 14 September 2017, 13:55:17
Socialism is about no-one having any opportunities. I also disagree with student fees though. Admission to Uni should depend on your intellect. Nothing else.
Now of course it depends more on your ethnicity, sexual orientatation and your families lack of money - all in the name of positive discrimination.
This enables stupid lazy people to gain an honours in "Take That, the early years".  :)
The system should be very simple. Prospective undegraduates take n exam in their chosen (proper) subject, and the top 10% (approximately) are admitted. Seemples.
Anyway, whats this all got to do with Jaaaags ?  ;D
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 14 September 2017, 13:58:42
......and I agree with grammar schools. People tell me they are elitist but I think they are the exact opposite.

Working class kids working hard to pass their 11 plus than going on to university free of charge. :y

Just because not everyone will achieve from a working class background doesn't mean we should stop those that can.

Couldn't agree more. When I was a brainless concrete shoveller, without a single qualification, both my kids passed the 11 plus and went to grammar schools. This ensured neither of them will shovel concrete and need a new skeleton by the time they are 50.
Obviously they inherited their brains from their Mother.  :)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 13:58:59
Socialism is about no-one having any opportunities. I also disagree with student fees though. Admission to Uni should depend on your intellect. Nothing else.
Now of course it depends more on your ethnicity, sexual orientatation and your families lack of money - all in the name of positive discrimination.
This enables stupid lazy people to gain an honours in "Take That, the early years".  :)
The system should be very simple. Prospective undegraduates take n exam in their chosen (proper) subject, and the top 10% (approximately) are admitted. Seemples.
Anyway, whats this all got to do with Jaaaags ?  ;D

That would be the breed of socialist who gets a perverse satisfaction when all are equally piss poor. :-\
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: STEMO on 14 September 2017, 16:20:30
......and I agree with grammar schools. People tell me they are elitist but I think they are the exact opposite.

Working class kids working hard to pass their 11 plus than going on to university free of charge. :y

Just because not everyone will achieve from a working class background doesn't mean we should stop those that can.

Couldn't agree more. When I was brainless concrete shoveller, without a single qualification, both my kids passed the 11 plus and went to grammar schools. This ensured neither of them will shovel concrete and need a new skeleton by the time they are 50.
Obviously they inherited their brains from their Mother.  :)
Was?
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Viral_Jim on 14 September 2017, 16:48:31
Was?

Yup, he's now unemployed :P.

I am a big advocate of grammar schools, solely responsible from taking my dad from a two-up two-down in Sutton-in-Ashfield to a very successful career in aerospace engineering. The problem at the moment is that they are too few and far between. Consequently middle class folks see them as a cut-price private school education, flood the catchment areas, pay for tuition and you basically have the very opposite of social mobility. If they were more common, this would not be the case.

Tuition fees on the other hand, I am a fan of keeping. If you look at the Scotland model, it isn't improving standards, nor is it widening participation. What they are finding is that numbers of places in Higher Education are being squeezed and more overseas students are being taken because the universities have a funding gap that they need to fill.

For me, the problem with Tuition Fees is that they are badged all wrong, they don't share many of the features of debt, but labelling them as such is off-putting to many from poorer backgrounds. If you badged them as what they are, a tax which only kicks in once you start earning decent money, then I think people would be less put off.

Incidentally, I'll be finished paying mine off in less than 12 months.  ;)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 17:35:38
Was?

Yup, he's now unemployed :P.

I am a big advocate of grammar schools, solely responsible from taking my dad from a two-up two-down in Sutton-in-Ashfield to a very successful career in aerospace engineering. The problem at the moment is that they are too few and far between. Consequently middle class folks see them as a cut-price private school education, flood the catchment areas, pay for tuition and you basically have the very opposite of social mobility. If they were more common, this would not be the case.

Tuition fees on the other hand, I am a fan of keeping. If you look at the Scotland model, it isn't improving standards, nor is it widening participation. What they are finding is that numbers of places in Higher Education are being squeezed and more overseas students are being taken because the universities have a funding gap that they need to fill.

For me, the problem with Tuition Fees is that they are badged all wrong, they don't share many of the features of debt, but labelling them as such is off-putting to many from poorer backgrounds. If you badged them as what they are, a tax which only kicks in once you start earning decent money, then I think people would be less put off.

Incidentally, I'll be finished paying mine off in less than 12 months.  ;)

Fookin ell'.......how many years is that? :o :o :o
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 September 2017, 17:37:19
I was 'too fick' to go to university. Went to grammar school though.

When I left school only about 4% went on to university. These days everyone and the cat's mother has been to university.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Nick W on 14 September 2017, 18:05:06

I am a big advocate of grammar schools, solely responsible from taking my dad from a two-up two-down in Sutton-in-Ashfield to a very successful career in aerospace engineering. The problem at the moment is that they are too few and far between. Consequently middle class folks see them as a cut-price private school education, flood the catchment areas, pay for tuition and you basically have the very opposite of social mobility. If they were more common, this would not be the case.





No, you have misunderstood the role of the grammar school within the education system. Grammar schools were intended to provide a supply of appropriately educated people for white-collar jobs - with the top percentage sent to university or college - in the same way that technical schools were setup to create a pool of school-leavers ready to start a technical apprenticeship. And then you had 'general' secondary schools for those children who didn't pass the selection tests at eleven. Comprehensive schools were supposed to do all of that within one school, but that ones that actually achieved it proved to be very rare.


The current enthusiasm for more grammar schools without the other two types being properly resourced, will result in precisely the scenario you mentioned. Especially if done in areas that don't currently have such schools, as their funding is bound to be taken from the general education budget.


The success of this system is utterly dependent on an effective, reliable selection of who goes where. And that is never mentioned because of the horror everyone has of deliberate social engineering. Especially when you're publicly applying it to eleven year-old children.


I should mention that both my parents attended grammar schools from working-class backgrounds, and so did I and my sister.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 14 September 2017, 19:18:53
......and I agree with grammar schools. People tell me they are elitist but I think they are the exact opposite.

Working class kids working hard to pass their 11 plus than going on to university free of charge. :y

Just because not everyone will achieve from a working class background doesn't mean we should stop those that can.

Couldn't agree more. When I was brainless concrete shoveller, without a single qualification, both my kids passed the 11 plus and went to grammar schools. This ensured neither of them will shovel concrete and need a new skeleton by the time they are 50.
Obviously they inherited their brains from their Mother.  :)
Was?

I'm still thick as pigshit, but no longer shovel concrete, due to the aforementioned need of a new skeleton.  :)
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Viral_Jim on 14 September 2017, 22:12:33
you have misunderstood the role of the grammar school within the education system. Grammar schools were intended to provide a supply of appropriately educated people for white-collar jobs - with the top percentage sent to university or college - in the same way that technical schools were setup to create a pool of school-leavers ready to start a technical apprenticeship. And then you had 'general' secondary schools for those children who didn't pass the selection tests at eleven.

No, I haven't, I understand, and agree with your post. However,  currently there are so few that they no longer fulfill their role. They should cater for the top say 20% of 11+ kids, of which the top 10-20% should be at university. We need the old technical colleges back so that people can actually learn a trade, rather than it being looked down upon and only attracting people who see it as a last resort when leaving school with no qualifications. Which is where we (largely) are at the moment.

Fookin ell'.......how many years is that? :o :o :o

I graduated in 2009. But I did two undergrad degrees, I was a slow learner ;). Also, I did my first 3 years of work for an accountancy firm that paid for my training, but the salary was such that I didn't pay much back (more or less just the interest).
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Rods2 on 17 September 2017, 22:21:33
Very nice motor m'lud which uses proper fuel as well. :y :y :y
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Kevin Wood on 18 September 2017, 11:51:15
The success of this system is utterly dependent on an effective, reliable selection of who goes where. And that is never mentioned because of the horror everyone has of deliberate social engineering. Especially when you're publicly applying it to eleven year-old children.

Whoa! You'll be saying that the little darlings should be allowed to lose races at sports day next! :o

You're absolutely right, though. The whole system needs to be right. We need to banish B.Liar's ridiculous nonsense about sending 50% of the population to university to study hairdressing and rebuild a system that suits both the differing aptitudes of pupils and the requirements of industry for new recruits.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 18 September 2017, 11:52:41
Very nice motor m'lud which uses proper fuel as well. :y :y :y

Indeed, Mr Rods. Derv is dead in the water and diesel sales are falling fast.

I sure Mr Tunnie will agree.
Title: Re: Pictures of Dr. Opti's new car
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 18 September 2017, 11:57:54
The success of this system is utterly dependent on an effective, reliable selection of who goes where. And that is never mentioned because of the horror everyone has of deliberate social engineering. Especially when you're publicly applying it to eleven year-old children.

Whoa! You'll be saying that the little darlings should be allowed to lose races at sports day next! :o

You're absolutely right, though. The whole system needs to be right. We need to banish B.Liar's ridiculous nonsense about sending 50% of the population to university to study hairdressing and rebuild a system that suits both the differing aptitudes of pupils and the requirements of industry for new recruits.

Yep..a large number of people going to university sounds good in principle.

The reality is that unless you've been to Oxford or Cambridge your chance of a well paid career will be heavily diluted by the sheer numbers.