UPON un-folding my copy of the Review this week, I was disappointed to see further complaints concerning Whitecross School across the front cover of the paper.

I have first-hand experience of the school, as well as contacts with many of the staff, governors and current and ex students. The views expressed by a few parents seem to be little more than mis-truths fuelled by a more than healthy prejudice against a good school.

These parents claim that they feel 'in the dark' about the school's move to become an academy. This seems strange as drop-in sessions were held for parents who wanted more information and I feel confident that staff or governors would happily answer any questions posed to them.

They seem to be forgetting, although they would most probably claim that they were ill informed, that the change to an academy was not a choice the school staff and students made for themselves, it was a change imposed upon them by the education department of the government following an Ofsted inspection that did not show the school in a favourable light.

The issue of a change in uniform has come up recently, providing yet another chance for parents to complain. As Whitecross has stated that the new uniform will be optional I don't see how anyone can object.

The interview featured in the Review of September 26 stated that the uniform was a 'horrible grey' in colour. I am unsure of what that particular person expected of the uniform for a school environment, but perhaps he would be happier with a hot pink and lime green combination, maybe with a yellow cravat and orange tights.

I, for one, find it completely baffling how someone can complain so much about an optional uniform which has been chosen in colours that are perhaps boring, but highly suitable for a working environment and a smart appearance. It seems, in short, a flimsy argument bought up for the sake of launching a complaint.

As many people will know, with the exception of those parents and critics who choose to stay 'in the dark', the school is collaborating with a company in its new academy status. Surely questions and criticisms would be better posed to representatives of this company rather than a school that is doing its level best to keep students and parents informed of the changes that are being imposed upon it?

Whitecross School is undoubtedly going through a difficult time at the moment, but they continue to strive for the better as they always have done throughout my experience of the school. Their job is being made no easier by the considerable number of mis-leading articles, liberally sprinkled with misconception published in local newspapers.

It would be nice for the local press to print information on some of the positive aspects of the school, and give them similar prominence in the paper, rather than repeating the same boring old prejudices.

– Name and address supplied.