I was horrified to find myself quoted in your article on school amalgamation (“Marriage on the rocks”, TES, June 27) which gave the impression that I support amalgamations. I do not. I have consistently opposed amalgamations both as a National Union of Teachers member and as an acting headteacher of a school recently threatened with amalgamation.
I have had many conversations with staff at The TES, as it is a close neighbour and very supportive of local schools.
On this occasion I admit I was naive to answer questions on educational issues relating to our primary school, which takes children from three to 11-year-olds, within a long discussion on amalgamations. There is a clear difference, however, between celebrating an existing school community, purpose-built as a primary school, and supporting the amalgamation of two separate schools.
I expressed my view to the interviewer that I saw amalgamations being primarily an economic initiative. I was assured that my name and that of the school would not be used.
MARA CHRYSTIE Headteacher Hermitage primary school Vaughan Way Wapping London E1
