The internet generation is already in Britain's classrooms. This term, two in three pupils will use computers to surf the web.

But to many adults - including most teachers and parents - the internet remains, at best, an intriguing novelty or, at worst, a total mystery.

So it was to me when my son, Tom, at the age of 12, created what was to become the world's most popular football website, with me as editor, in the backroom of our home in Brighton.

That was in 1995 and I had yet to send my first e-mail. Last year, Disney bought a majority stake for £15 million.

Such is the pace of change that access to the internet will soon be a routine part of everyday life for all but a small minority of children.

But it is difficult to think of more than a handful of sites which seek to exploit the potential of the net to transform the education of every single child in the country.

Schoolsnet, the UK's number one education website since its launch earlier this year, is at the forefront of such attempts.

Our goal is to build a successful business out of a one-stop site which provides everything that any parent, pupil or teacher needs.

Currently valued at more than £40 million, and with shareholders which include Newsquest, publishers of this newspaper, Schoolsnet has the resources to give teachers the new tools they need to do their job in the 21st Century.

Schoolsnet comprises eight main areas:

Schools Guide: a definitive illustrated guide to every school in the UK, including examination results and inspection reports.

Library: More than 20,000 books that teachers think pupils should be reading.

News: All the education stories of interest to teachers, parents and pupils.

Web Guide: More than 11,000 websites of educational interest.

Lessons and Revision: Free online lessons and revision material produced by curriculum experts.

Discussion: Forums where parents, pupils and teachers can talk to each other about problems and issues.

School Sports: First-class reporting on all the major school sports.

Staffroom: A special area to help teachers, head teachers and governors keep up with all the latest developments in education.

In addition, Schoolsnet will next month open an online shop where school supplies can be bought at the best possible prices.

By building a successful business, Schoolsnet will be investing in the future of coming generations and can support parents and schools working hard to give young people the best start in life.

www.schoolsnet.com