Grammar flaws

THE report that 16 grammar schools are to get 4,000 extra pupils (Mail) shows Santa has come early to a privileged few, while most state schools are in a desperate financial state, sacking teachers and cutting back on what they can teach.

Two grammars near me have been winners while the rest of the local schools are looking at damaging cuts, despite the ‘ little extras’ bestowed in the Budget.

There’s no ‘fierce demand’ for my local grammar schools — neither filled its Year 7 with local children.

They don’t show an interest in disadvantaged students. last year, one had 0.4 per cent of its students on free school meals while the other had 1.7 per cent. My nearest non-grammar had 22 per cent of children who qualified for free meals.

One of the grammar schools was founded in 1624 for ‘24 poor children’. It’s unlikely that any of them would be found in the classrooms today.

KATY SIMMONS, Burnham, Bucks.