The 1988 Education Act brought in the statutary school year of 195 days, in which the school MUST be open, by law, to pupils for 190, and the remaining 5 are "training days".
It doesn't sound much, does it? Except that the same Act brought in a statutary minimum requirement of 1265 hours per year........but NO LEGAL MAXIMUM
Which meant that many, many teachers were doing the 1265 hours, staying behind after classes, running clubs, doing training, attending meetings, and then taking marking, preparation and planning home with them.
All for a starting salary of £19000 with a degree and a teaching qualification.
Alcazar