The schools minister, Jim Knight, has announced £81m in new funding to help teachers deliver the higher level diplomas offered for the first time this September.

Maths inspired fear and brilliance in Wendy Cooling.

Tracey Cox wants to spice up sex education in schools.

Edward Rutherford could not help but grow up loving history.

Francine Stock on her regrets and delights.

Julia Bell says history is great for writers.

I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was 23, and with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when I was 27. I didn't realise until then that I had a problem, I thought everyone else was struggling like me.

Lauren Child loved Latin's many facets.

Sam Stern finds there's always something going on in politics.

Jackie Clune's thirst for knowledge all began with a bit of coal.

Novelist Ally Kennen was born to run.

How Elizabeth Laird fell in love with language.

Frances Hardinge acquired a lasting love of literature at school.

Judy Cornwell and the Sisters of Mercy.

To Daniel Tammet, nine is big and blue.

A love of classics led to a life in education.

I liked English because it's all about stories.

Richard Hammond loved physics at school.

Linda Robson found her vocation in drama.

Latin was a living thing for James Essinger.