IN response to Andrew Watson (Letters, Thursday, January 20) we agree with him that real term spending on education is at "a record high".

It needs to be. Each year, the cost of children's education increases. Schools are awash with money? Again, we agree. But unfortunately this does not apply to schools here in Worcestershire.

In fact, it is ironic that at a time when so much money has been pumped into the education system, Worcestershire is far worse off now, compared to other comparable counties, than at any time ever before.

We have fallen from 17th rank position out of 34 shire counties in 1997, to 32nd position out of 34 in 2004.

This is because we have always been at the bottom of the funding heap during many years under different successive governments, and over years, as percentage increases have been given, Worcestershire has lost out.

This will continue until the way current funding is distributed is addressed. In Worcestershire we are doing something about this; our Local Education Authority is involved with the testing of an alternative funding model which the F40 Group (the group representing the lowest funded Education Authorities) is proposing.

Regarding our political stance, as we have stated many times before, we are apolitical where the funding issues are concerned.

Both the main political parties are united in their call for fair funding. Ruth Kelly, in her opening speech as the new Education Secretary, said that all children are different, but are of "equal worth".

We agree with her, it is that "equality" we are striving for.

HELEN DONOVAN,

JONATHAN PEARSALL,

School governors and parents.