While these are noble sentiments, education is, surely, about children. It ought not to be parent-centred, nor school-centred, certainly not government-centred nor economy-centred, but child-centred.

A system in which pupils are confined, regimented, all too often browbeaten and compelled to study so much that ignores their aptitudes, aspirations and interests - on pain of punishment - is hardly child-centred.

I hope Ms Kelly listens to her own children when they complain of school, for there is much to complain about from a pupil`s point of view. Proof of this lies in the truancy figures, the apathy, the hostility, the aggression and a general anti-school attitude among the school population.

It is not parents who need choice, but pupils, at least at senior level.

One doesn`t look for an educational free for all. But genuine, trouble-free, positive learning will continue to elude the nation`s youth while they have so little say over what they do in school day in day out, week in week out, year in year out.

AJ Marsden Retired teacher 9 Chester Drive Ramsbottom Lancashire