Following the discussions on homework (TES Magazine, June 19) I would like to bring to your readers’ attention the advice of the head of a secondary school that was successful in raising the achievement of white working-class children. A critical factor, he said, was homework - and all children did it. This meant over the five years from 11-16 they effectively gained a year’s extra learning. In the workplace, motivation and the ability to complete work without close supervision is important.

Marilyn Leask, professor of education, Brunel University.