Sir – It seems to me that there is a deep and rather unacademic flaw in Professor John Howson’s renewed criticism of primary education in Oxford (Report, December 16).
He is not comparing like with like. He compares Oxford, which is not a local education authority, with areas which are.
For example, Lancashire might have better results than Oxford, but this does not mean that every town in the county — Nelson, Burnley, Colne, etc, does.
Similarly, Oxford might have worse results than an urban unitary council like Sandwell.
But does this mean that they are better than Oxford’s in Smethwick, West Bromwich and every other town in the authority?
Of course I might be wrong, and Professor Howson has examined results from every town and rural district in England. If he has, he has my deep admiration for his industry!
Roger Jenking, Headington
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