I NEVER thought I would ever say this, but Mr R Swindells is right in his summing up of our education system.

I have supported Labour for most of my life, but that doesn’t mean that I agree with all that they have done.

The comprehensive system has failed and for all the reasons Mr Swindells details.

Labour got it wrong, but the Tories have done little or nothing to put things right.

In my letter of April 3, I blame governments for the sorry state of our education system.

Both parties should hang their heads in shame, knowing that 22 per cent of the population are functionally illiterate and that 20pc of pupils leave school with the literacy skills of an 11-year-old — or worse.

Brian DerbyshireRibchester Grove Bolton