Sir – How sad that Michael Waine, county cabinet member for schools improvement, should be so economical with the truth. He speaks as if the campaigners’ only ground for opposition to the proposed change to an Academy is that “it’s a happy school”. Well that is one important reason, Mr. Waine, but certainly not the only one. People who spoke at the recent county meeting made that clear.

The fact that the pupils’ success rate in GCSE in Maths and English have risen above the required level to 35 per cent, and statistics like that of the 91 per cent A* to C success rates in information technology, all point to a school that is doing well. It should be allowed to continue to improve, without unnecessary disruption that the change to an Academy would entail.

It really is a shame for Peers that it had started to improve before it became an Academy, but is down to only 18 per cent A*to C pass rates. New buildings and new uniforms are all very well, but I think that it’s the teaching and ethos that matter and I am most impressed by the pupils, teachers and successful strategies that are leading to Oxford School’s improved results. Chris Ballinger does not seem to be taking that success into account when he claims that the school’s governing body had not provided adequate support. The proof surely is in the pudding, Chris!

Some governors felt that we should proceed to the expression of interest in Academy status, but seemed reluctant to allow a full and informed debate.

Information about the failure of other academies sponsored by the proposed sponsor, ULT, was not seen to be pertinent but as a governing body, we did need to look carefully for the best long-term option for the future.

Rather than irresponsible division there was debate. This was a necessary part of responsible governance and I hope the present very cohesive and committed governing body will be allowed to continue to look after the best interests of the pupils in our already outstanding local school.

Nuala Young, Oxford