Regarding the debate about independent and free schools entering the maintained sector (Analysis, November 19), what about the need for a fair and transparent admissions system? Surely schools entering the maintained sector will need to include “distance from school” as a tie-breaker in determining admissions, so that those living closest to a school have priority over those living further away who could previously afford to pay fees.

I cannot see what admissions criteria schools will come up with to avoid this scenario, even if fair funding or pupil premiums are included. Unless a school is in a middle-class area, and all its existing pupils are local, admissions are bound to change, with some less advantaged pupils gaining admission (which will be good).

Keith Lewis, West Country local authority officer.