SIR - Regarding the article Minister calls for intensive efforts' (T&A, April 29), I'd like to place on record that Tong High School is not a struggling' school.

For the past five years we have exceeded Government targets for the percentage of students achieving five A*-C GCSE grades.

This year, the Government would expect Tong to reach a standard of 32 per cent of Year 11 students achieving this benchmark. We expect this target to be blown out of the water, because almost 60 per cent of our students will attain at least five higher grades. Many of them will excel, with ten or more A*-C grades.

We acknowledge more of our students need to gain higher grades in English and maths and our exceptional teachers, along with hard-working and committed students, have this target in their sights.

Outstanding qualifications in ICT, science, technology, languages and humanities, as well as the arts and sports are very important for students to have a rounded and well balanced education.

Skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, enterprise and presentation sit alongside numeracy and literacy skills which employers prioritise and university admission tutors seek.

We should not lose sight of the achievements of our young people in Bradford's secondary schools.

  • Lyn O'Reilly, Headteacher, Tong High School, Westgate Hill Street, Bradford