THE letter to Hear All Sides from Jennifer Denning (HAS, Jan 21) together with the reports concerning Durham Free School and Grindon Hall Christian School, which I have read in several newspapers, gives me great concern.

Ms Denning claims the Ofsted report of Durham Free School is distorted, dishonest and damning and I believe the same can be said of the recent Grindon Hall Christian School report.

There appears to be remarkable similarities in the Ofsted criticisms of both schools which are not recognised by the head teachers, staff and parents.

As both have a strong Christian ethos, one is forced to wonder if there are other motivations behind the criticism.

Is it possible there is an anti-Christian or even anti-free school bias being allowed to tilt the balance of the reports with a view to seeking their closures?

I hope not, but am concerned enough to ask the question.

I believe the Secretary of State for Education should establish an independent enquiry which would seek the views of all parties concerned before further action is taken.

David France, Darlington.