Letter: Rich kids in school

Sir: David Woodhead of the Independent Schools Information Service (letter, 27 September) is mistaken in claiming that parents using private education, by 'paying twice', are in some way helping the state system.

It is the presence of the children of the wealthy and powerful in state schools which would ensure the quality of what was available in them. If Prince William had been enrolled in the shabbiest, most run-down primary school in Tower Hamlets, how long would he - and all his classmates - have had to wait for a computer, new books or a permanent teacher?

Yours,

ALVINE SWANSON

Aberdeen