Papers focus on a 'week of woe'

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Northern Rock, missing Child Benefit records and criticism of defence spending from ex-military top brass.

This was, says the Independent on Sunday, a "hideous hat-trick" during what it calls "Brown's week of woe".

The People urges Prime Minister Gordon Brown to use his legendary "clunking fist" and get a grip on events.

But the Sunday Telegraph says Mr Brown has built a government bereft of talents, and adds his reputation for competence has been severely damaged.

Back to school

In its main story, the Observer reports that some schools are near breaking point because of the sudden large increase in the number of children from overseas.

Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, says the situation is "out of control".

The News of the World highlights plans to donate £106m to schools in Nigeria.

Columnist Fraser Nelson asks: "Any chance of a Nigerian whip-round for the 40,000 British kids who leave primary unable to read or write properly?"

Fair dinkum?

The triumph of Kevin Rudd's Labor party in Australia receives wide coverage.

Mr Rudd is a "staunch republican" who wants Australia to cut its ties with the UK, the Sunday Mirror says.

But the main lesson for Britain, says the Sunday Times, is that a strong economy was not enough for Australians, who ousted John Howard as leader.

Voters were also motivated by issues such as climate change and the impression that Mr Howard was out of touch, the newspaper argues.

It's coming home...

The papers speculate on who will follow Steve McClaren as England football manager.

Under the headline "It's the era of Shearer", the Sunday Express says former captain Alan Shearer will be entrusted with saving English football.

But the Mail on Sunday insists that ex-Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann is currently the top candidate.

The Sunday Times' Hugh McIlvanney advises whoever gets the job to stay away from umbrellas, like the one Mr McClaren was pictured using prior to his sacking.