I do not claim a great deal of knowledge as far as educational theory is concerned but I would query your use of the Fiona Millar figures as far as grammar schools are concerned (Naughty step, 13 April). You imply that 40 per cent of pupils failing to pass more than three O levels in 1959 was a bad result. In the age of normal referencing as compared with criterion referencing this would be the expected figure. The examination was tailored to the 20 per cent of the age range who went to grammar schools, therefore only 60 per cent of the cohort could pass. The figures quoted reflect the chances of the day.

Roger Rowe, Former director of studies, King Edward’s School, Bath.