Lazy politicians are demonising our schools, says top Wolverhampton headteacher

Recently the national press has been full of accusations of 'poshness' – none of which I see as I walk around as Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School, where the pupil population really reflects the diverse local community we serve. The attack, led by the shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt, but slavishly followed by politicians of every hue, is cheap electioneering and demeans the political process.

I see no reason why perceived failings in state schools are considered the responsibility of schools in our sector. That said, I don't know an independent head in the country who wouldn't be in favour of working in partnership with our state school counterparts. Here at WGS we have shared training, teaching and expertise with Q3 Academy in Great Barr, to the benefit of staff and pupils from both schools. We have weekly sports fixtures with a whole range of schools across the county and host shared events with authors and artists. New initiatives also loom, organised through Wolverhampton City Council and I anticipate that they will be successful too because, like a good marriage, they are borne of mutual appreciation and respect.

It is interesting to note that the Association of School and College Leaders has protested strongly against forced union with private schools. As a member of ASCL Council, I meet heads who are consummate professionals, experienced at running schools and leading large teams. I know from personal experience, therefore, that it is a patronising generalisation to suggest that independent schools are better at staff development and subject knowledge than our state colleagues, as the shadow education secretary did recently.

Anyone taking a tour around Wolverhampton Grammar School will quickly conclude that we are a beacon of excellence. Lessons are exciting and the students are both engaged and engaging, which raises a simple, fundamental question: 'Why, if politicians want schools across the country to improve, would they hope to achieve this by attacking those which already excel?' The logic beggars belief.

Independent schools are also demonised for their charitable status which, as a result of the complexity of charity law, cannot be surrendered – a charity cannot cease being a charity. Equally, we are demonised because that charitable status attracts benefits in tax and rate relief. Few politicians, however, take time to note the benefits our sector brings to the country's economy. It is politically expedient for them to take the easy option and turn a blind eye to the good we do.

Wolverhampton Grammar School alone educates over 700 children who would otherwise need places in state schools; nationally this figure is nearer 500,000. If independent schools did not exist, Britain would have to fund half a million new school places. Additionally, we employ over 160 people from all walks of life, who themselves contribute to the local and national economy, and we boost local trade in terms of food, supplies, transport and utilities to the tune of hundreds of thousands of pounds. In fact, it is estimated that the independent sector nationally is worth £9.5 billion. So I have to ask: are we really that bad?

I share, with every head teacher in the country, a profound desire to see young people's eyes opened to the possibilities life holds. I want them to gain the confidence to turn possibilities into opportunities. That, surely, is the aim of a great education? But I believe in the democratic freedom of adults to spend their money as they wish. Indeed, their right to spend it on education is enshrined in European law. It should be a matter of celebration in this nation that we have independent schools, and Wolverhampton should celebrate being the home to one of the best schools in the country.