Theresa May states that a condition of opening a new grammar school might be to establish a new, non-selective school, and that pupils could move between the schools at different ages, and depending on their abilities in specific subjects (Report, 9 September). I have an even better idea. Instead of two new schools, why not have just one on the same site so that there is less disruption to pupils? You could call it, say, a comprehensive.
Nick Starling
London
• Peter Bradshaw’s scathing one-star review of the remake of Ben-Hur (G2, 9 September) reminded me of the US comedian Mort Sahl’s brief and cutting review of the 1959 movie: loved Ben, hated Hur.
Mike Pender
Cardiff
• If Peter Bradshaw can bear any more of it, he might like to catch Radio 4’s 1995 adaptation of Ben Hur currently available on the Radio 4 Extra website. Despite an estimable cast, it is a campfest of fabulous proportions with the added bonus of all miracles being enthusiastically emoted: “but mother, your face is renewed!” Sadly, no audible carpentry though.
Ceri Smith
London
• Surely the real scandal is not that Unite helped Len McCluskey, its leader, to buy a flat (Report, 9 September) but that a two-bedroom flat anywhere costs £700,000, 26 times the average wage.
Jo Harding
Clitheroe, Lancashire
• After watching the latest Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith hustings, I was wondering if they would agree to a quality-of-life-enhancing job share, like their sensible Green party counterparts (Report, 3 September). It would save us all the agony of having to vote as well.
Judy Raven
Oxford
• There is a simple, right and just solution to the school uniform question (Letters, 9 September). If wearing it is to be compulsory, then the school, not the parents, should foot the bill.
Bob Gilmurray
Exeter
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