Private benefits

C Hegarty (Letters, 18 November) finds it hard to see the benefits to society of independent schools. I assume that this is the result of a narrow vision of education purely as a means to personal gain.

However, high-quality education, as provided to a lesser or greater extent by most independent schools, engenders a broad array of virtues and character qualities that contribute a society’s well-being far more directly than academic qualifications. Gaining cultural and sporting interests that will last a lifetime promotes personal satisfaction, but can also strengthen community life. A preponderance of highly-educated, motivated, confident and creative people injects energy into the economy.

Take any child in Scotland and improve his or her education, and one does a service to Scotland. Lacking external funding, independent schools can only mainly cater for those whose parents can pay. Anyone wanting the amount spent per pupil in state schools to rocket should vote accordingly, but don’t blame independent schools if taxpayers in general don’t value education as highly.

When the wealthy spend their riches on expensive cars and exotic holidays, no one bats an eyelid, but when they invest resources in the intellectual development and character formation of their children, ethical questions are raised.

RICHARD LUCAS

Broomyknowe

Colinton, Edinburgh