In reply to Nigel Blore (Apr 10), my letter attempted to deal with facts and data, not opinions.

Firstly, having retired just over two years ago after 33 years of teaching, I can hardly be said to be out of touch.

Secondly, the local authority is responsible for our grammar schools being in place and so reference to the Labour Party is a red herring.

Thirdly, I compared Southend not just to Brighton, but to the East of England as well as the whole country for Neighbourhood Qualifica-tions as a measure of local educational success levels.

As Mr Blore chose to highlight Brighton, would he like to explain the following data: Brighton has 12.48 per cent and Southend has 7.8 per cent of its population gaining Level 3 qualifications. Brighton has 28.74 per cent and Southend has 13.64 per cent gaining Levels 4/5.

These are qualification levels where the grammar schools should excel, yet an area with comprehensive schools obviously gives better value for money.

Fourthly in the Sunday Times A Level/GCSE results, remembering that there are only 164 grammar schools, which always start with an advantage, Mr Blore's Alma Mater, Southend High School for Boys, was 159th on the list, not in any way outstanding as claimed.

Finally, I am confused how he felt that my data is a damning indictment of Southend comprehensives, as I am not aware of any true comprehensives existing within the borough.

This rather shows that it is he who is out of touch with education, as he does not even know what constitutes a comprehensive.

RS Lenkiewicz
Woodgrange Drive
Southend