IT HAS depressed me to read in the Oxford Mail of the present problems with Oxford School.

How did this once fine school get into such a state?

I attended the school between 1949/55 when it was Southfield Grammar School. Then Oxford had three state all-boys grammar schools: Southfield, the High School and Magdalen College School. You had to have top marks in the 11-plus to get a scholarship there.

I had a good education at Southfield which has stood me in good stead all my life. We were not only taught the usual subjects, but Latin, French, art and music. Some of the friends I made there are still in touch.

It was not only a good school academically but it also really encouraged sport.

I was good at athletics which was encouraged by the sports master, Mr Kirk – who represented Britain in the Berlin Olympics – and managed to represent the city and county in the half-mile.

Some of my old teachers – who we respected – like ‘Ticker’ Teasdale (French, rugby and expert chalk-throwing), the eccentric Basil Kohler (art) and Dr Perry, the headmaster, must be turning in their graves at the present state of their school.

DEREK HONEY Queen Emma’s Dyke, Witney