THIS brilliant play was the winner of the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is now touring the UK to rapturous applause.

Set in a comprehensive school during the day after Labour’s landslide election victory in 1997, the play’s title recalls Tony Blair’s hooky unforgettable pledge about his new government’s priorities.

Seven superb actors drive the drama, which is atmospheric, moving, funny, and extremely thought-provoking.

The various disparate teachers are not crude caricatures – they’re real caring professionals trying to cope with demanding situations, sometimes chaotic and violent.

The play opens with the school’s new German teacher Tobias (wonderfully played by James Newton) reflecting on his new job in a new country, and acting as European viewpoint and narrator.

“Problem pupil” Sophie (delightfully conveyed by Emily Greenslade) is bright yet troubled and outraged, providing a shocking and powerfully moving finale.

The stage set is simple yet very effective, the double doors being a neat device to punctuate the compelling drama.

It’s interesting to compare the optimistic educational atmosphere of Labour’s 13 years in government, with current Tory policies causing dispirited disheartened teachers to leave the profession, and vulnerable children being cruelly failed.

This excellent new play – running at only 80 minutes in one act – could benefit by extending to two hours.

Education, Education, Education, runs until Saturday, with matinee. Then moves to Southampton’s Nuffield Theatre from May 8-12.

This is an important, unmissable new play.

Brendan McCusker