Letter: Schools opt for cash not liberty

IN YOUR article 'Funding clash over schools' (29 November), you point out that John Patten, the Secretary of State for Education, maintains that 'schools opt out in order to win increased freedom not because they expect more money'.

As Mr Patten will know, all the Catholic schools in Sheffield are contemplating opting out. As a governor of one of those schools, I know there is much agonising over the decision. I can also confirm that the over-riding motive is the prospect of extra money, seen as essential to the survival of the schools in their present form.

Gareth Powis

Sheffield