In your coverage of the 1997 performance tables (TES, November 21) you included the 100 most improved schools and the 100 schools showing the biggest decline.
A few calculations, however, show that the numbers of pupils involved in these improvements and declines are extremely small - Hornby county high’s 10th place on the improvement list rests on the achievement of seven pupils, while Blaydon comprehensive’s position on the declining list rests on the work of 10 children.
Is there really any point in heralding the improvement or decline of schools on the basis of such incredibly limited amounts of information?
GEOFF TENNANT
171 Fortis Green Road Muswell Hill London N10
