Anthony Seldon may be correct when he claims that some who object to public schools are motivated by jealousy as this is an emotion every one of us experiences. But if he is saying that all who object do so because of jealousy he is wrong.

Some wish to see the end of this two-tier system because it is socially divisive - those who pass through the public school system end up believing they are socially superior. This is a severe obstacle to society ever becoming united and contented.

The Labour Government's aim is education for the 'many not the few'. It permits the two-tier system to continue because it believes state education will improve until there is little to choose between their educational and economic results.

Public schools would then wither on the vine, although some might well continue for social reasons. Some parents send their children to public schools in order to meet - and marry - others 'like us' not 'like them'.

This too is a strong impulse but is better based on personal qualities than socially contrived ones.

-R G Jenkins, Hove