Kenneth Durham’s article was a disingenuous response to Michael Gove’s claims that the dominance of independent schools in many walks of life is “morally indefensible”. In explaining the success of independent schools, Mr Durham avoided the very point that the minister was making, that there are inequities that exist that unfairly mitigate against social mobility and widening opportunity. Many others at the conference at which the minister spoke saw this not as a criticism of independent education but rather as a challenge to the sector to look to its responsibilities and to become more involved in the process of change.

Peter Tait, Sherborne, Dorset.