School bullying

May I, as an almost exact contemporary of CJ Sansom, reply to his recent criticism of George Watson’s College in the 1960s?

I have no reason to doubt his experiences, but have to say that mine were quite different, and I know of none of my friends and contemporaries who would recognise his account.

It was a big school and society was different then, but I cannot believe it was any worse than any other similar establishment. Corporal punishment was still rife then and certain teachers were heavier-handed than others. I am no advocate of what now seems a barbaric practice. The trick was to avoid punishment.

Similarly, there always have been bullies in schools but the idea that teachers ignored some pupils and left them to be bullied outside seems unlikely and a slur on their memory.

I considered myself fortunate to be educated in an environment where excellence was encouraged in all departments (academic, sports, music and arts) but it never seemed that those who were less gifted were ignored, mocked or bullied.

I also consider Roger Young, who was principal at that time, to have been one of the most enlightened and liberal of headmasters, and his recent death at the age of 93 brought forth huge outpourings of gratitude and fond memories from thousands of my contemporaries.

In conclusion, having read many of CJ Sansom’s books, it would appear that his Watson’s education did no harm to the excellence of his writing!

BRIAN BANNATYNE-SCOTT

Murrayfield Drive, Edinburgh