TODAY'S school results make interesting reading but also pose some fundamental questions about our society.

While it gives us great pleasure to announce the incredible achievements of teachers and pupils at private schools across the two counties, we view with dismay the small handful of educational establishments across the area that have very little to celebrate. In view of the available evidence, it seems that a few of our children now view each other across a yawning chasm of ability levels.

We make no apology for singling out Elgar Technology College, a school that has not only performed abysmally, but also has the worst truancy rate, exceeded only by Stourport High. Elgar has renamed itself in recent times - it would appear that rebranding is not the cure-all some might hold it to be.

All this begs the question - to what degree do family circumstances have on children's achievement potential? And what should we do about solving the economical inequalities that almost certainly have a bearing on the future that our children will face in adulthood?

We are in danger of reverting to a class-ridden society if the offspring of the well-off almost invariably succeed, whereas those from poorer backgrounds start off at a disadvantage. Yes, we are indeed very happy about Nunnery and also salute dear old Chrissies, too. But the sterling efforts of much of the state sector cannot disguise the fact that something has gone very wrong elsewhere.