Sir - as an ex-pupil and ex-member of staff at Alice Ottley School, I have, so far, managed to remain silent. This is against my nature, as ex-colleagues will confirm. However, the outburst of James Flanagan (Tuesday, December 12) has proved too much for my self-control.

I was astounded to read the paragraph in his letter in which he infers that as little as possible of the AO, its ethos and its expertise should be carried over to the merged school. How dare he, in those few irrelevant words, consign the unstinting devotion of a highly qualified and professional teaching team to the bin.

May I inform the writer that many girls, and boys also, have passed out of the Alice Ottley School and have taken up important careers in all spheres worldwide. The school has an international reputation for excellence which will not be obliterated by such chauvinistic opinions. Mr Flanagan's views show no constructive thought and, indeed, show a level of bitterness that is totally inappropriate in the present situation.

If Mr Flanagan thinks AO's buildings and land alone will make the RGS strong, think again. Just as a house does not make a home, physical surroundings do not make a school.

Janet Jarvis (Mrs) Worcester