Like many others, I am concerned by the possible closure of Whitehawk's senior school, currently known as the East Brighton College of Media Arts.

Successive versions of this school have all failed to provide the sort of education which is required for this area. Look at the very high truancy rates and lack of academic achievement.

Congratulations to those parents who are fighting to keep the school open. Its closure would be a terrible indictment of the Government's education policy, which is based on ideology and social engineering.

After so many failures, it is obvious a radical new approach is required which would restore the pride of Whitehawk residents in its school.

I suggest this school be given, on an experimental basis, an advantage over other local schools by allowing certain pupils to leave at 14.

This would apply to those who want to exploit the talent in their hands as well as their brains.

Their course could consist of basic academic and moral teaching, plus an introduction to vocational subjects such as building, engineering, nursing, carpentry, catering, transport, plumbing, the Armed Forces and so on.

There are shortages in many of these skills so the State would also benefit.

Appropriate careers advice should also be available so that pupils leaving early have a job, apprenticeship or place at a technical college to go to.

Those leaving at 14 would be able to experience the discipline and dignity of work and have an opportunity to start earning their own living much earlier than those who go on to higher education.

-Alan Nunn, Hove