SIR: It isn't very often I feel strongly enough about an issue to write to a newspaper, but this time I feel justified.

I am referring to the constant highlighting of incidents at Hayward School and the obvious 'relish' with which you pursue a story that will show the school in a bad light.

I would have thought that a school that has a strict uniform and disciplinary code would be supported in upholding these standards, but no, all too often pupils who do not adhere to these standards are pictured as being 'hard done by'. Certain sections of the national press are known to give an unbalanced view. Without referring to specific reports I would have thought that a newspaper with your 'supposed' good reputation would follow a responsible code and present a balanced view. Any incident being fully investigated.

I realise now this obviously isn't standard procedure.

To further highlight this point, on Thursday June 5, I was very proud to take a Year 7 pupil to the Market Place to receive cheques totalling £600. This was the prize awarded to the winner of an art competition to design a new mascot for the Market. Photographs were to be sent to all the local newspapers. The pupil asks each day why her photograph isn't in the paper. But no, it's good news for Hayward, not as important as a pupil who wants to interpret uniform rules in his own way! Maybe Tara Cooke will receive some recognition of her talent - one day maybe.

I am proud to teach at Hayward, I am proud to uphold the high standards we set ourselves, I would also be pleased to read a newspaper who supported us in this action, instead of one who took every opportunity to knock us back.

We will continue to maintain our standards, I only wish you would recognise them too.

C Parkes

Higher Green Lane

Astley, Manchester

Editor's comment: This newspaper merely reported the facts of this particular incident without any form of interpretation. I agree that rules have to be obeyed and standards upheld. However, it must be realised that we live in a society which determines and shapes our attitudes. Two hundred pupils turning up in school uniforms is not news - but what is news is the reason why one pupil didn't conform.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.