I read with incredulity Fran Hill’s article on the difference between state and independent schools (TES, March 23). Having taught in both sectors, I do not recognise the picture she paints of either. Yes, independent schools do not have to follow the national curriculum, but many choose to use elements of it to structure their schemes of work, and some even take national key stage 3 tests. The Independent Schools Inspectorate follows a similar regime to Ofsted’s, so the similarities of curriculum and the way standards are reviewed in both sectors are, not surprisingly, far greater than many teachers believe.

Darron Dean

Clifton College, Bristol