MY letter Keep politics out of schools, June 7, was addressed to the heads of six Ashton on Mersey schools.

I did not criticise any of the schools (indeed we sent our children to three of them) so was surprised to be labelled a “school critic”.

I merely asked the Ashton Heads to reflect on their support of events used by Ashton on Mersey Conservative councillors as propaganda, especially given that Ashton on Mersey is a very marginal ward.

I expected a reply neither from the Conservative Party, nor from a resident of Hale, it being so far from Ashton ward.

I was therefore taken aback by the tone and content of Peter Booth’s School critic must do better letter.

Apart from being “staggered by my one-sided ineptitude", Mr Booth’s letter was mainly about selective education, which I had not mentioned.

I welcome Mr Booth's challenge to debate, but believe that there are local people such as TRIES (Trafford Residents for an Inclusive Education Service) whom I am sure would not only welcome a debating platform on this issue, but would have the knowledge of and expertise in education to debate it much more comprehensively than I possibly could.

I hope this intervention does not deflect from Ashton Heads considering and acting upon my request that they withdraw their children from events used for political ends.

Mike Milligan

Kings Road

Sale