It's too much

Regarding your report and editorial (12 June) on the impending demise of St Margaret's School in Edinburgh, it is, of course, sad for all the children and staff involved. However, on a day when you also reported potential industrial action by the EIS, and with the likely impact of severe cuts in education budgets in the coming months, to devote so much editorial space to the St Margaret's story alone seems disproportionate.

Perhaps the next time a rural school closes due to lack of funds or, as is the case with my children's school, a head teacher is required to manage two schools 20 miles apart, you will feature that too. Vastly more pupils and families are faced with the everyday reality of education budget challenges than are affected in the St Margaret's story.

Finally, the irony of the closing words of your editorial – "a sector which prides itself on choice" – will not be lost on the 93 per cent of families whose children attend state schools, and for whom the "choice" you refer to is limited to a privileged few.

BARRY HUGHES

Cardrona Way

Cardrona, Peeblesshire