AS someone with almost 30 years in teaching (mostly post-16), I was interested in Michael Foster's campaign comments regarding education in the Thursday, April 28 edition of the Worcester News.

He said a vote for Labour meant improved results whereas a Tory vote meant low standards. In my experience improved results don't necessarily equate to improved standards. Results are about pass rates where as standards are about real ability level.

Between them in recent years, successive Labour and Tory governments have dismantled what was once a very effective education system by continual meddling. To cover for their failed initiatives, the electorate has been fed statistics based on dubious exam results.

I was fortunate enough to be educated in a secondary modern school in the 1960s when rigour was still maintained and children left for the world of work with some ability and confidence.

In my 30 years of teaching, I have witnessed a steady decline in student ability and I am sure it is not because they are less intelligent.

While education remains a political football, millions of our future generations will continue to be "short-changed," by government incompetence, on having an effective education.

RICHARD FRASER,

Martley