I attended a fee-paying school as my parents believed it would give me better opportunities in my career.

At the end of each school year, a notice was placed in the assembly hall detailing the various careers and employments the sixth formers had gone on to.

I don’t ever remember during this period – between 1968 and 1972 – a single student going on to university.

Its worth remembering that waving a qualification under the nose of potential employer does not illustrate you can necessarily apply the skills you have learnt to a specific job role.

N Vince
Rocheway
Rochford

...Whatever one’s views on student tuition fees, the debate in the House of Commons highlights the democratic deficit for the English.

Raising of fees for English students did not affect students in other parts of the United Kingdom which have devolved powers for education among others.

However, the debate was held between members from all parts of the U.K.

not just England. So, members from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were able to vote on the matter.

Whilst on this occasion, the outcome was unaffected, at other times, the situation could be different.

This is something the government has to consider if it wants to be held in respect by the people of England. Failure to do so will come at a price.

Ken Bennett
Royal Close
Rochford