- guardian.co.uk, Friday 17 September 1999 17.51 BST
Of course poverty is the key. Accept my thanks for stating the obvious so powerfully, but what do we do now that the "secret" is out?
Julie Elshaw
Sheffield
• I was a teacher for 12 years and now work for an exam board. I did not think I could be uplifted by what I read in the press about education, but the honesty of this coverage has cheered me. Someone recognises the truths that the politicians and the media scorn.
Tony Forster
Peterborough
• Nick Davies's gut-wrenching article shows the folly of politically flashy league tables. As for payment by results, Messrs Blair, Blunkett and Woodhead owe millions in damaged teacher morale.
P Pryor
Sheffield
• As an infant school head I have recently undertaken home visits for our school's prospective nursery intake. I have a list of clients for year 2012 Bleeper Man.
JC Featherstone
London
• Never mind education, education, education; this is writing, writing, writing.
Dr Martin Talbot
Sheffield
