Apparently, Canon John Hall wants church schools to serve the poor in the community (Tes, June 15). Maybe he could explain why our local Church of England high school, which he knows well, has fewer than 5 per cent of its pupils eligible for free school meals.
In an area of considerable deprivation, this is a smaller percentage than at the two local grammar schools. Indeed the popularity of the school is based almost exclusively on the correct perception among middle-class parents that their children’s education will not be disturbed by the influence of the poor.
Maybe it’s time for the Church to come clean about the purpose of its schools - to say what it means and mean what it says.
Tony Toubkin Thornleigh Lodge Burton Carnforth, Lancashire
