SIR – I was saddened to see the report in the T&A (September 15) about Belle Vue School.

I attended that school (1959-1966) when it was a state grammar school with a very proud record for most of that period, although the last two years were when it was a comprehensive.

It used to produce at least two Oxbridge students each year as well as sending pupils to many other first-class universities from a sixth form of more than 120 pupils.

I am sure one of your former columnists, Mike Priestley, who is a fellow alumni of Belle Vue, will be shocked while its best known former pupil J B Priestley must be turning in his grave.

Such is the so-called progress that, in my view, comprehensive schooling brings.

M J Stones, Harrogate Road, Eccleshill