A shared belief in schooling (From Gazette Series)

A shared belief in schooling

SIR - I left Uley Church of England School at Easter 1946 - after attending for three and a half years. Illness curtailed by schooling - I was 13 years old and was working on my 14th birthday.

I was reasonably bright but had no certificates so I worked at a variety of jobs. We didn't stay on at school in those days, the family needed you to earn. I feel, had I had the opportunities I could have been successful.

I believe in education and like Tony Blair feel students should have the chance to stay in education until they are at least 18. I believe, he believes, so why do local councillors feel the need to close sixth forms in the county? I think the best way to learn is in an environment in which you are comfortable - so what better way than to stay at the same school from the important years, 11-18? This is much better than upping sticks, just when you are getting somewhere. It is a big enough wrench moving from primary school to higher education, so to be disrupted again at 16 is pointless. I am sure if pupils are told they are to be moved they will simply cease school at 16 and walk straight out of school and on to the dole.

Education is the future, not saving a few pennies today and having to pay out much more later.

Some years ago it was proposed to close Stone-with-Woodford Primary School because of lack of pupils. Today that school is overflowing, many of whom will move to the Vale of Berkeley College - so why close a sixth form that will be of great importance in the very near future?

Any of those people who voted in favour of closure can't be too bright because the future arrives so rapidly. I expect all this will be water off a duck's back, but I do wish these educated councillors would show they know what education means.

John T Smith, Court Mead, Stone.