LAST week the national press featured the expansion plans of Marling and Stroud High Schools.

The argument of the two grammar schools, that they need to increase numbers to sustain their provision, was contrasted with those of the local comprehensives who feel that the grammar expansion could bring the financial viability of other schools into question.

As Tetbury parents we understand that it is too late to do anything about the expansion but feel that a fair press for schools that offer pupils a non-grammar education is important.

The head and chairman of governors at Sir William Romney’s School note that the results of the 11 schools concerned reflect the fact that they are all fully comprehensive schools accepting all children.

The 2014 value added results for Sir William Romney’s rival Marling’s (the achievement made from Year 7 to 11 is among the best in the area) suggesting that students get the support they need from experienced and inspiring teachers.

We would add that there is no need to expand the number of places at either grammar when places at other schools are not filled; whilst we have no in-depth knowledge of projected school numbers, over-subscription does not seem a current issue in this part of the county.

Jo Brown and Gill Bevan

Tetbury