The effects on children's education of the abrupt closure of Newlands College is quite unacceptable.

Thankfully, it seems that, in this case, it was temporary.

Nevertheless, it stands in marked contrast to the lengthy consultations which took place before it was decided to close, for example, East Brighton College.

One hopes the "five or six private schools" which, you say, "are forced to close every year" do not shut their doors so suddenly.

However, if it means parents are becoming increasingly impressed with the improving standards in our state schools and in consequence are finding it unnecessary to send their children to private schools, we can all be pleased.

-R G Jenkins, Hove