-SIR: I was delighted that you carried an article praising Radcliffe High School for its high standards of achievement following the recent OFSTED Report. Bury LEA is renowned for its high quality learning and its excellent schools throughout the Borough.

The statements made in your newspaper conveyed the very high praise of the school by the Registered Inspector Mr M McManus. I congratulate the Governors, Head Teacher and staff on their high standards and the pupils on their excellent achievements. I was, however, concerned about the Registered Inspector's statement! "any Radcliffe child in the catchment area that does not attend Radcliffe High School for their secondary education is being seriously disadvantaged. This is a very good school. It deserves to prosper and do well." Radcliffe High School is a very good school and it deserves to prosper and do well, but I cannot agree that pupils attending other high schools in Bury are being seriously disadvantaged. To put the record straight, all the high schools in Bury are good schools, as are the primary schools as well. Children attending any high school or primary school in Bury are not seriously disadvantaged.

My statement is not to detract in any way from the first-class report given to Radcliffe High School.

Mr J Beech

Chief Education Officer

Bury Metro

Market Street, Bury

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