Statistics famously can be interpreted in many ways.

Thus, when statistics about education within Clacton and Harwich come out, educationalists rush to defend themselves.

Actually, we do quite well and it is circumstances that cause the apparent disparity.

For a start, the statistics are suspect. Out of a population of 70,000, over 55,000 are shown as working age. There are clearly more than 15,000 pensioners in the areas of Clacton and Harwich.

The overall average age for the areas quoted is 54, which means most started school before those responsible for today’s education were even born.

When most of these people left school, there were no qualifications handed out below GCE, and the majority were not put forward for any kind of qualification.

It is therefore not surprising that 23 per cent have none now. In fact, that represents a huge gain in qualifications since leaving school.

The percentage in education at present is so low that the best educational turnout of results can make little change to the overall figures. Also, as stated, those well educated in this area have no venues for top class employment where they can use their achievements to further their careers. They have moved away.

Looking elsewhere, it is not surprising that 25 per cent have a degree in Colchester. The bias towards a younger average age of 40, helps towards this attainment.

Even so, only 10 per cent are students. If correct, this would represent a large inflow of graduates from elsewhere – and the most obvious source is Clacton and Harwich.

It is hard to elicit a motive for your report.

Was it to try to show the low education standards in Tendring? Was it to show the high attainment in Colchester?

Or was it just a straightforward report of statistics that should never have been taken at face value?

I think you owe an apology for indicating that an area of 70,000 people represents a low educational average as described.

You should educate yourselves as to the meaning of statistics and look for biased results before putting them out.

Malcolm Chapman
Cloes Lane
Clacton