Sir – I appreciated Michael Waine’s courteous reply to my original letter of October 22, in which I expressed concern over the way in which East Oxford parents were desperately unclear over proposals for a 3-18 academy to replace Oxford and St Christopher’s schools.

A letter in the Guardian newspaper from a concerned parent said that a “consultation”, of which he is highly suspicious, is still awaited. Mr Waine says that parents’ meetings were held and that Ministry delay is at fault. No wonder parents are worried. Mr Waine says that the director of education is fully supportive of the proposal. I am sure it would allay parents’ concerns if the director publicly provided sound educational justification for such an academy.

Martin Sheldon, Headington Quarry