[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] SIR,—May I again crave
space to refer to the Spens Report ? Lady Simon in her letter of February xoth would close the discussion with a Parthian shaft pointed with the words " equal educational opportunity." That seems to be one of those imposing phrases which arc good rhetorical value but
will not bear close analysis. Its complete realisation would be incompatible with the existence of any independent schools charging fees. But the Report, though far reaching, does not reach far enough to include any recommendations on this point.
Many headmasters dislike the administrative sections of the Spens Report, but to accuse them of being unwilling that every child should have a fair chance is less than just. As one of them, though not claiming to speak for others, I would con- tend that it is possible to provide secondary education for all without making all secondary education free, and without wholesale standardisation of schools. To destroy the individuality and lower the prestige of those existing schools that have built up a tradition of their own seems inequitable in itself and contrary to the public interest.—Yours, &c., The High School, Newcastle, Staffs. T. STINTON.
[We cannot continue this correspondence.—En. The Spectator.]
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