Sir.–Please can people give Everest Community College and its headteacher a break.

It seems to me that there is a personal attack going on towards Julie Rose, who I believe is trying her best for local kids.

I read in The Gazette, March 31, that Robert May’s Secondary School in Odiham is also considering converting to an academy.

The governors have obviously had discussions about this decision prior to the parent consultation – so what is the difference? No one is attacking that head.

They must believe that converting to an academy would be beneficial to the school and its pupils or they wouldn’t be considering it. So does that not show that Everest has made the right decision?

The main issue against Everest converting appears to be the amount of money initially spent on the new building. The people opposing the conversion keep going on about the fact this money was spent for ‘Popley kids’.

Surely, as long as the ‘Popley kids’ benefit from a better education then the money is irrelevant!

I have read all of the literature supplied by Everest and have attended the consultation meeting. As far as I can see, they are making the correct decision, and I wish them all the best.

Oh, and for the record, the pupils who left in July 2010 did all get exams. They just didn’t get both maths and English at level C or above. It doesn’t mean they left school without anything. Some children aren’t good at both subjects, so surely it’s better to concentrate on something they are good at and likely to achieve!

So please, leave Julie Rose alone and let her get on with what must be a difficult job.

–Name and address supplied.