Does this mean that Mr Seldon is advocating a reduction in taxes including Council tax for those who pay for their child's education under the new scheme? Unfotunately the system that did allow pupils from poorer backgrounds with ability to thrive was abolished by people like Mr Seldon in the name of "Equality", there is no such thing, every individual has talents and weaknesses in various subjects, to differing degrees, it's a matter of genetics. It is noticeable that the academic field is the only one where discrimination on the grounds of ability is forbidden, do schools allow a duffer at football to represent the school in competition or similarly for school bands, orchestras or plays. No it only in academic subjects that ability is positived frowned upon, the consequences of this can be seen as the UK slips down the world education league and the country's ability to pay for everything it wants in the world.

Stephen, St. Ives, England

I think this view is preposterous. Firstly it’s not the children’s fault whether there background is "well off" as you say. Education is in no means free. For my whole life my parents have paid for my education at an average state catholic school through working hard and paying there taxes. This money together with every other tax payers contribution has helped me to get where I am today at university studying medicine! When they pay higher taxes (and therefore provide education for children whose parents do not work) why should they be expected to pay out more? This is in my view a form of discrimination. Similarly at my church you would not be given the priests blessing and reference to attend a catholic school unless you have been an active member, so I think you should do more research on this before freely commenting. There was a large mix at my school rich and poor, but at the end of the day its down to the individual the results they achieve.

Alex Novak, Ealing/Norwich, London

Since when has education been free for tax payers?

VJB, London,

It all depends on what Mr Seldon defines as "well off" -under the current Government large swathes of middle management and skilled trades people are now classed as "higher paid". When I went to University - in the days of universal grants for all, I was always upset that some people I knew were on a "full grant" because their Father's accountatnt had managed to massage the earnings assessment down.
Yes I'm all for charging for good schools - if we can get a rebate on the taxes we have already paid - and what about a discount for attending a poorly performing school? Hang on a minute isn't that just like a voucher system? - Yes please!

Jeremy, London,

Surely, this is all part of a campaign by Anthony Seldon to get himself into the House of Lords. He must have a really good deputy at Wellington - this would explain why he has the time tp concentrate on his own interests!

Charles Talbot, Swindon, UK

So Anthony Seldon managed to get away for a holiday? We did not. The reason is that we could not afford to do so. Why? Because we pay 2 lots of independent school fees, so that our children receive a proper education and schooling - they are different! - in a part of the country where the maintained provision of education is pitifully and criminally inadequate.

In paying twice for our children's education - through taxes and to the school out of our taxed income, we do not have the luxury of languidly considering the implications of a barrister bemoaning the absence of her husband in Dubai. Nor do we ever get the chance to tell Anthony Seldon what we think about his smug, complacent views. We just cannot move in the same circles - we just pay the wages and pensions of people like him. However, we know where our responsibility to our children lies - the holidays and socialising with barristers will just have to wait.

Humphrey Fanning, Marlborough, UK

I find Mr Seldon's 'obsession' with 'equality' admirable- but I'm not sure that his proposal would further his aim. Wouldn't it be simpler to ban all private & public schools so that ALL our children, rich or poor, black or white, all rub shoulders together. Keep streaming, sets & a differential type of education under one roof, to allow for all talents & learning styles. It could easily be done.

Suzanne, Colchester, Essex

I fail to see how Mr Seldon's proposal would help those children from poor backgrounds. Would not a requirement on all schools to take an equal proportion of children eligible for free school meals be a step in the right direction?

Des, Edinburgh,

Anthony Seldon's obsession with equality will eventually achieve its only possible outcome. Britain will be equal 100th in the world's league table of excellence in educational provision. Unfortunately for Mr Seldon there might still be some countries (the Congo perhaps) with even lower standards and we will have to strive harder yet to get to their level so that we have a clear conscience.

How such an extraordinary individual became Master of Wellington College is a mystery passing all understanding.

Anthony Back, Wellington, Telford, England

You are not reading the reports. Students who dont achieve, dont achieve no matter what schools they go to. Forcing underachievers into good schools is not going to change anything.

Address the problem.

Provide resources for areas/schools where children are not achieving to change their parents and their mindsets to education to make them want to better themselves.

tony, Guildford, surrey

The poor are not free to chose where they live, they cannot hop from one catchment area to another. But look what happened to Camden School for Girls when it was put into the Camden Borough state system. Now it is a base level comprehensive open to all. Miss Bus and Miss Beale must be saddened in their graves.

JANE FLEMING, Whittlesey, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Education is free?

Not if you pay Tax by Income, VAT, Excise Duty or whatever method.

I would expect the master of Wellington college to avoid this mistake but I presume the idea put forward is self serving.

M Sheridan, Oldham,