* In your debate, Peter Wilby trounced independent schools’ champion Dick Davison splendidly (TES, February 4). But one thing he did not mention was the superior resourcing of elite private schools. At Uppingham, for example, this allows a teacherpupil ratio of 1:8, compared with a state school average of 1:18.
Fees at Uppingham are around pound;20,000 a year. Even with improvements in funding since 1997, state schools get nowhere near this, except possibly in one or two for special needs. Nuff said!
Tony Mitchell Vice-chair, Socialist Educational Association 51 Falcon Avenue, Bedford
