SIR – I am writing to provide clarification on a number of recent articles made in the Telegraph & Argus.

Firstly, the report on the sum of money carried forward by our school was incorrect. Southmere’s carry-forward was well within the permitted eight per cent.

The remaining balance is held by Southmere as the budget holder for the BD2 South Locality (ten schools). These monies are allocated and identified in a transparent way in the Action plans submitted to Council.

In response to the publication of schools interested in becoming academies, I would like to respond in the same manner as I have to the Department for Education.

The school expressed an interest to receive full and accurate information with regard to the implications for our school.

As no information has yet been received, no further discussion has taken place. Once this has been received, the governing body needs to consider the implications and carry out further consultation before any decision is reached.

We remain firmly committed to providing the best standards of education for our children and have appreciated the support of our parents, community and the Telegraph & Argus and, therefore, felt it important we made our position clear on these points.

Hayley Marshall, headteacher, Southmere Primary School, Ewart Street, Great Horton