JOHN Howson (Hot data, TES, July 14) springs prematurely to the conclusion that exam results in the independent sector have peaked.
The fact that the 85 per cent of candidates in independent schools who get three A-level passes has not increased is hardly significant. What is important is that the quality of those passes continues to improve and that the gapbetween independent schools and comprehensives is widening.
Between 1998 and 1999, the mean A-level points score in comprehensive schools improved from 16.1 to 16.3; in independents from 23.5 to 23.8.
Richard Davison
Joint director, Independent Schools Information Service
Grosvenor Gardens House
35 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1
