Letter: Complex reasons behind truancy should be examined

Sir: Simon Gardner reveals himself as a product of the undisciplined educational system which has diverted so many of its

students over the past 30 years away from 'basics' (Letters,

19 November).

One of the proudest possessions of my late mother who died four years ago aged 90 was a silver watch given to her as a child for not missing a single day's schooling for any reason whatsoever over a period of five years.

Yours faithfully,

FREDERICK H. WYKES

Ashley Green,

Buckinghamshire

21 November