SIR - So, Herefordshire schools lead the way in key stage three results, compared to their Worcestershire equivalents.

Could it possibly be the additional £270 per child per year above that of Worcestershire school funding is giving them the advantage?

Way back in 1997, when New Labour came to office on its "education, education, education" platform, the shortfall per pupil per year between the two councils was £80.

The gap has now spiralled to more than three times the original difference, and to this day no one from the Government has explained the threefold increase.

While extra funding cannot alone simply buy better results, it surely must make it a lot easier for their schools in striving to achieve and exceed their expectations.

Our county's schools do a superb job with one of the lowest school funding allocations in the country.

Just imagine what they could do with the same funding.

Helen Donovan, Evesham.