Martin Stephen is right that independent schools must evolve if the sector is to remain successful (“An inability to evolve is a dangerous thing”, 20 April). That is exactly what is happening.

The UK independent sector is, once again, proving resilient in these difficult times. The total number of students in our schools has risen, not fallen. This success is not founded upon a resort to overseas markets, but on increases in means-tested fee assistance, imaginative revenue-raising, tight control of fees, market sensitivity and really good curricular provision.

Dr Stephen is right that we will be facing greater competition in the future. He is wrong if he thinks it will take us by surprise.

Ken Durham, Chairman, Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference.