I have recently returned from a study group tour of Western Australia. We discovered in Perth the quality of the distance learning operations in a state that is approximately seven times bigger than the UK.

The School for Isolated and Distance Learning is a highly regarded, well-funded service providing education to small schools and isolated families in the outback. It includes video-conferencing and websites.

Teachers based in Perth are involved in curriculum writing, exam preparation and ongoing assessment. A small TV studio provides videos to broaden ways of learning.

Colleagues on the study visit believe that much of this style of work could be introduced for such places as pupil referral units when children are not in mainstream school.

J Bulled Head, Henry Cort community school Hillson Drive Fareham Hampshire