IT gave my husband and I great pleasure to read about the excellent report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate on Bredon School, Bushley.

Our story is typical of so many parents whose children were struggling in the state system.

Primary school teachers had picked up the fact our youngest son had a learning difficulty which stopped him progressing as far as they felt that he should. His dyslexia was not very severe and was not recognised as such.

The then headmaster of Bredon School, Brian Thomas, suspected this might be the problem from tests, and he suggested we should take him to an educational psychologist who confirmed Mr Thomas's diagnosis.

Duncan went to Bredon School, and the first time he performed one of the readings in the school nativity play was a very proud one for us.

Exams were always a nightmare for him but we were fortunate when we moved to Chichester that he was able to follow the B-Tec educational route, later taking an ONC. A variety of jobs followed, but an old friend, a mature student at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, persuaded Duncan to attend open lectures which stimulated him to apply for a place in the school of International Politics, where he took a BSc (Econ).

He went on to take a masters degree at Nottingham University, and is now studying for his PhD in India-Pakistani Relations at Bristol University.

Bredon School was the inspiration of Colonel Sharp, himself a dyslectic. He was involved in education in his army career and was only too well aware of the problem. There are many young people and parents who will be eternally grateful to him.

MRS MARILYN MOORE, New Street, Ledbury.