I ADD my voice to those decrying the dismantling of local authority control of our schools.

This process, which was designed by central government to further weaken the power of local authorities, is short-sighted.

The ideologically driven charge towards academies will only undermine our state sector education by reducing the resources available to the local authority.

The independence that some are so keen to grab will be short-lived because purchasing power comes with scale, for schools just as for business.

Within a few years, to save money, all these new academies in York will be swallowed up by national organisations, trusts, and businesses run for a profit.

Decisions will then be taken far away from York, either by people who don’t understand the broader needs of our city or, ultimately, by central government.

And all for what?

Has no-one noticed that York’s state schools consistently achieve some of the best exam results in the country, way above the national averages at both GCSE and A-level.

I am proud that all my children have attended state schools run by the local authority and have nothing but praise for the dedication of the teachers and council staff.

Christian Vassie, Blake Court, Wheldrake, York