SIR - How refreshing to read Professor Don Halliday (T&A, In My View, January 4) regarding the school leaving age and the general debacle described as an education service.

I opposed the raising to 16 over 30 years ago and I feel the same now. We desperately need plumbers, electricians, builders and many other tradesmen.

However, we are told we must see 50 per cent of school leavers go to university. Fine, but to achieve what?

Surely it is better that we mould the training system (and yes please, let's have the apprenticeship system back) to meet the demands of our country rather than to please the educational "experts"?

If our young people feel they are working towards something they want and hopefully will enjoy, then isn't half the battle won?

"Making" students out of the most unlikely of candidates goes against all logic and common sense.

More words of wisdom from Professor Halliday please.

Coun Roger Taylor (Con, Northowram & Shelf) Glen Terrace, Halifax