I WAS dismayed to read the comments of BEN editor Mark Rossiter in an article (BEN, February 25). He wrote "Lily-livered excuses about league tables being divisive are a smoke screen for the inadequacies of under par teachers".

Rather than being "lily-livered", those who oppose SAT league tables rightly point out that there are other more reliable methods of measuring school quality and success. One such measure would be to note where children are at entry into the reception class, and what level has been attained when leaving Year Six. Using this value added approach children in many schools will be seen to have travelled much further than is implied by the tables. This approach would undoubtedly offer different insights into the quality of schools and their teachers.

As one of the schools at the bottom of the current SAT tables, I would be proud to define my school as an excellent learning and caring institution, offering high quality education from a professional staff. The children at TOB make good progress within their abilities as reported after OFSTED inspection. I would extend a warm invitation to Mr Rossiter to visit TOB to see the reality of the classroom and what can be achieved in varying social contexts. My sentiments are fully echoed by my governing body.

C J Caldwell

Headteacher

Top o'th' Brow CP School

Greenroyd Avenue, Bolton

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