We as parents of pupils at the Ravenscroft School feel compelled to write in response to the increasingly negative press the school has, undeservedly, received in recent weeks.

We would point out that most parents chose to send their children to the school because of its excellent achievements, academic, artistic and sporting. The school has a dedicated staff that care passionately for their charges and the effort and commitment cannot be questioned.

The majority of pupils work hard and are good ambassadors for the school. However, the portrayal of the school and its pupils by the press has been a gross misrepresentation to the community. Yours is a community paper, its role to report honestly and with impartiality, something you have consistently failed to do.

The Ravenscroft School, with more than 1,000 pupils, more than 30 per cent of whom are on the special needs register, was praised for its special needs department in the last Ofsted report, a factor which is never reflected in your reporting. The school recently had a highly successful fete and an equally successful health day in which pupils, staff and governors took part, neither event was mentioned in the press, although similar events at other schools have been reported on.

It's about time the Ravenscroft School received some positive acknowledgement for its achievements of which there are many. We hope in publishing this letter you will present another view of the school, one of striving to provide the high standard of education we feel our children deserve.

Mr & Mrs Canu; Mrs C Oddi; Mrs D

Oliver; Mr & Mrs Luxton; Ms Jenny

Murison; Ms Jane Odiwe; Mrs Hayhoe

Editors reply: We reject the accusation that we have failed to report stories honestly and fairly. We always do our utmost to ensure that all sides of a story are represented. Recent stories about Ravenscroft concerning the postponement of expansion plans and bullying were important stories which were presented in a balanced manner. Every opportunity has been given to school authorities to have their say.