Surprise! Mainstream schools in deprived communities are less likely to perform well when measured against standards reflecting Govian educational orthodoxy (“SENtenced to failure?”, 4 May). Is it then so surprising when the special educational needs (SEN) register is misused to minimise the divisive damage of a biased inspection regime?

Baroness Warnock is correct in thinking that the government Green Paper will do little to end the problem of over-identification and underachievement of those deemed to be failing by a narrow, academically driven educational system.

SEN should not serve to emasculate and perpetuate pedagogical inequality but must be objectively defined to describe those few pupils with disabilities demanding specialist placement and deserving of additional resources.

Ron Babbage, Headteacher, St John’s Special School and College, Bedford.