Closing the attainment gap is a foolish aim

While I agree with much of what Brian Monteith says about Nicola Sturgeon (Scotsman, November 15) his criticism of “failing schools” lacks explanation. What criteria does he use? he think all schools are "failing"? if not, what proportion does he think are, in what way and who is responsible? Councils provide buildings and employ teachers. The Holyrood Government sets aims and policies and provides finance but its powers of control are limited.

Hospitals do not cure many of their patients but we do not say they are "failing", knowing that poverty, housing, diet, health and physical environment are all crucial. These equally affect education.

Many school buildings are more than a century old with designs unsuited to modern ideas on education. Most hospitals are under 50 years old.

Yet academic "standards" are higher than ever as shown by the record number at universities More pupils are involved in environmental and charity projects. "Wocial and personal education " has improved much – my old school is far better than ever.

However the "attainment gap" in numeracy and literacy remains. This does not surprise as eliminating it was and is a foolish aim. It relates to many more factors than poverty and occurs even among siblings. There is no reason to assume that what poor children most need is higher levels of literacy and numeracy or if schooling can achieve this.

The government should have the honesty to admit failure and scrap the policy which wastes money.

Does Mr Monteith agree? JOHN MUNRO

Glasgow