Devon schools are surely right to take their protests about funding cuts to Downing St. However, they may be doing their cause a disfavour by conflating austerity cuts with protesting the fair funding formula, and calling for funding to be “equitable” – by which they presumably, but erroneously, mean equal.

In general, Devon pupils achieve above average results. This may be down to excellent teaching, but is also likely to be because for most of them English is their first language, they do not live in an area of high crime and deprivation or in substandard or overcrowded housing, and their families are supported by strong social structures.

Not all children in our country have such a good start in life, and many are consequently in need of considerable extra support at school, both educational and pastoral.

Thus: the fair funding formula, which provides greater financial support for schools in the most deprived areas of the country, in the hope that all children, whatever their starting point, can achieve their full potential. This is the true meaning of equitable.

To say that Devon children are funded below average is really to say that our children have above average privilege in comparison with many others.

We should be pleased for them, not protesting.

Sylvia Rose

Morleigh