Sir - So now we know. Thanks to your report of May 2, Schools under pressure to improve results, three city secondary schools are in serious difficulties.

The purpose of the city re-organisation of schools was, 'to raise academic achievement' and as your report reveals it has failed to do so. The county councillors responsible and their supporters have long since fled the scene of their crime, absolved of their responsibilities and leaving their successors to sort out the debacle they created.

My sympathies lie with the governors and staff of Peers and Oxford community schools who are working hard to help their students to succeed. Hence their decisions to seek academy status, (Peers) and foundation status, (Oxford). This will release them from the clutches of Oxfordshire County Council, which has failed to provide them with the support and guidance they have desperately needed for the past six years. The funding and freedom associated with such status will be of considerable benefit to both schools.

Perhaps both Cherwell and Cheney schools should consider changing their status too? Their 2007 GCSE results are no better than their 2003 results.

Oxford city schools have been shabbily treated and accountability is sadly lacking from those responsible now and in the past. The south-east area secondary schools have been worst affected. Meanwhile, Matthew Arnold School continues to thrive, having benefited from the influx of students from the city.

To the relief, no doubt of many, this is to be my final letter on the subject of the city re-organisation. I can now rest my case.

Martin Thomas, Retired headteacher, Temple Cowley Middle School