Sir, Adrian Percival is right not to apologise for his analysis of the school he took over in 1999. Matthew Arnold School was indeed a depressing place.

The four former teachers you quote in your article are at best viewing their time there through rose-tinted spectacles. In 1999 numbers on roll were falling fast, that year's intake was two thirds full, retention into the sixth form was running at less than 20 per cent, considerably fewer than half the students achieved five good GCSEs, the buildings were in a shoddy and neglected state, pupil behaviour was poor and Ofsted did indeed note that it had some serious concerns about the school.

In 2005 the school was full, retention into the sixth form was 60 per cent, more than 70 per cent of students achieved five good GCSEs, the buildings programme makes the school look attractive, pleasant and suitable for learning, behaviour was good and Ofsted confirmed all of these changes and commented on the effectiveness of the school's leadership.

Not everybody is a fan of Mr Percival's leadership, but it is hard to argue that something very impressive happened during his time as the school's headteacher.

The children who have studied there in the last six years have had a much better chance of success than those that studied there previously. That's what counts and that's what the former teachers who confess to feeling "bitter" need to come to terms with.

Richard Kennell, Assistant headteacher, Matthew Arnold School 2000-2002