The Times spelling bee championships, now in their second year, are in the semi-final stages with the finals due to be held in June.

Last year, 750 schools entered. This year it is one thousand – an increase of 25%.

In this day and age, when we bemoan the fact that students can no longer spell, this is evidence that the tide is turning and schools and pupils are once again taking seriously the importance of good spelling and grammar.

Excellent news! Well done The TImes and competition sponsors Microsoft.