SIR - I felt compelled to write regarding the merger of two independent schools within the city (Worcester News, December 8).

It may interest your readers to know that single-sex education continues to thrive at St Mary's School, Battenhall, just minutes away from the city centre and the M5 motorway network.

St Mary's is a Catholic school which extends a warm welcome to those of other faiths who value Christian principles. It provides pupils with an excellent education within a safe and caring environment founded upon the spiritual and moral teachings of the Gospels and inspired by the example of its founder, St Marie Madeline Postel.

St Mary's provides a happy and stimulating educational experience which encourages every pupils' maximum academic potential.

It aims to develop self-esteem, an unselfish concern for others, encouraging life-long learning in helping pupils become responsible members of society.

St Mary's too, is "a forward looking community" and I would urge any parents considering independent education to visit this school at Mount Battenhall.

JOHN McCUMISKY