ON the subject of discipline in schools.

I read in the press about a recently- appointed headmaster at a school in Macclesfield, who had introduced a ruling whereby pupils had to stand when he entered a classroom. That is something pupils always did when I was at school.

It seems that some pupils were reluctant to do this, for reasons best known to themselves, and as a consequence, the headmaster banned some of them who refused to obey his order.

This, apparently, has infuriated some parents.

One father of a 15 year old boy, sent home for refusing to stand, says his son was “entirely justified” in remaining seated, and that the headmaster needed to “earn respect”.

With parents like this, is it any wonder that society is on a downward spiral?

Someone should point out to this father that respect comes with the job.

This is why children should call their teachers Sir or Miss out of respect for the job, if not the person.

This is the very basis of discipline all too often lacking in schools today.

Brian Derbyshire Ribchester Grove Bolton