TO answer JJS Mansfield-Clark's letter, I have a child that didn't obtain the required 121 in the 11+ in October. And I will add nobody thinks he is a failure.

The problems lie with some of the upper schools. When you go and visit the schools with your child in the autumn term, your child very quickly realises that there is a difference.

My son knew instinctively by our visits and the prospectus' which school he would be happy in and be able to reach his full potential.

Unfortunately my son still does not have a place that is suitable to accommodate his needs. I am sure that you are thinking that my husband and I are failing in our responsibilities to secure a place for our son.

Please can I assure you that there is not a day gone past in the last four months that I have not written or spoken to somebody concerning this matter.

I feel helpless in this situation and completely frustrated that except for two very nice professional ladies in admissions nobody will speak to me or correspond with me.

This system has failed my 11-year-old-son. A very able student that achieved fives in all SAT marks, totally backed by his past headmaster and teachers that he will not reach his full potential in maths if not taught to high standards.

Still my son has not been offered a suitable upper school for September. If anything was to make him feel a failure and worthless then it would be this.

I may add that both my husband and I will never allow any of our children to feel like this while it is in our control.

I do agree with JJS Mansfield-Clark that it is up to myself and husband to educate our son to be able to cope in 'life'.

But the brief period of disappointment has now lasted six months and still we have nothing positive to enforce about his education.

I am sure eventually when term starts and the numbers have settled down, our son will be offered a place but he will have already missed those vital first days.

I would also add that our son is one of six children in the same position in a class of 38.

Name Supplied

Bishopstone Road

Stone