Thank you for your words!
I done some e-mailing today to the institutions I am interested in.
I have had a mixed reply; some said stright out a 2:1 and a Masters is required others have said that a 2:2 with a Masters and a strong proposal is all that is needed.

This news has made the sun shine threw a bit more :)

I don't know what its like in Education as a research area although I can guarantee you that getting a PhD with a 2.2 and a Masters is perfectly possible. I've managed it (in a tough subject area too) and I know of several others. :)

I'd agree with spanky, i've got a 2:2 (Biochemistry) and a Masters (Computer Science) and i've managed to get 3 interviews so not all hope is lost :).

In my case most applications were specific to my academic area, i.e bioinformatics / systems biology but i see no reason why this would be the case with everyone.

Good luck on your applications

Regards Wolfe