SIR – The controversy over the proposed loss of free transport for students attending faith schools opens up a wider debate as to whether we should have an entirely secular education, teaching religions only as beliefs held by some. Included in this shoul

SIR - The controversy over the proposed loss of free transport for students attending faith schools opens up a wider debate as to whether we should have an entirely secular education, teaching religions only as beliefs held by some.

Included in this should be other views held such as that of Humanists, which equally gives the moral guidance usually claimed as the preserve of religion.

This open-minded approach leaves children the freedom to make up their own minds as to the direction in which they wish to go, rather than being indoctrinated at an early age into the beliefs of their parents and teachers at faith schools.

Two of last week's Comet letters make the claim that faith schools are recognised as high achievers. Published examination tables show many non-faith schools in Hertfordshire with superior results, certainly in comparison with the John Henry Newman School.

I MARTIN

The Limes

Hitchin