The recession has contributed to a spike of nearly 50 per cent in the number of men applying to become teachers, figures showed today.

Headteachers were in revolt last night as new figures showed the number of schools failing inspections has almost doubled since the beginning of the school year in September.

Hundreds of schools that closed during last week's snow chaos reopened today ahead of a crucial period of exams for pupils.

Ofqual says plans are in place to help students who cannot make it in, or are at schools that are still closed

A-level students face re-sitting their exams or being given special consideration after failing to make it through the snow in time to sit the tests yesterday.

"You'll find they've all got chocolate and crisps," said headteacher Roy Tedscoe, ruefully, on hearing that The Independent wanted to inspect the content of his pupils' packed lunches.