Letter: Longer at school

Sir: What exactly does David Aaronovitch mean when he says that many teachers "would struggle in the private sector" ("Once upon a time I, too, thought business was bad", 10 November).

If he means in private schools, I would suggest that most state school teachers would regard working in this sector as a welcome relief. If he means the private sector in more general terms, then he's equally off the mark.

Put any individual from any sector in front of thirty 15-year-olds on a wet Friday afternoon when the behaviour varies from bored to psychopathic, and then see who "struggles". Perhaps David would like to try it.

PETE BARRETT

Colchester, Essex