WE have written to Nigel Evans on behalf of the governing body of St Augustine's RC High School, Billington, regarding the way in which, as the MP for the Ribble Valley, he was chosen to represent the concerns of his constituents regarding secondary education.

It has been clear from local press coverage of his views for several months now, that one of his main preoccupations seems to be the needs of one school in his constituency - Clitheroe Royal Grammar School. Their concerns about school budgets and admissions are vigorously promoted by him in a way which must be very gratifying for them.

The fact is, however, that on both counts, CRGS is already significantly advantaged over other neighbouring schools. In terms of school budgets, its pupils receive a far larger sum for their education each year than those who go to St Augustine's.

The majority of Ribble Valley parents send their children to schools which were not formerly grant maintained. It is difficult for many of them to see why their taxes should continue subsidising CRGS pupils when the educational needs of their own children are just as vital.

Concerns about admissions based on ability are also deeply felt and with good cause. Any significant increase in admissions by CRGS of able children will have the inevitable effect of distorting the intake of other schools in the area. We would remind Mr Evans that many of his constituents are not convinced that selective education, which can lead to many children perceiving themselves as 'failures' at 11, serves the best interests of all the community.

They see in an all ability school such as St Augustine's, every reason to have confidence in what good comprehensive schools can offer.

This year, 100 per cent of our year 11 students achieved five or more passes at A*-G, a performance CRGS was unable to match. Even though CRGS is highly selective, their percentage of pupils attaining five or more top grades dropped, while ours increased significantly.

St Augustine's is one of the largest Catholic schools in Lancashire, yet as our local MP, Mr Evans seems hardly to notice our existence. The governing body wonders why he gives such little recognition to our children's achievements.

These are difficult times for all schools. What we, as governors want from our elected representatives more than anything is a greater commitment to the needs of all our children. We hope that as MP for the Ribble Valley he will take a more balanced view on these matters from now on.

Fr E WILLOUGHBY (chairman of governors and ANTHONY McNAMARA (headteacher) St Augustine's RC High School Billington.

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