THE City of London's much-vaunted international image as a centre for financial services could suffer a setback if it has to rely on locally-nurtured talent for its continued success. Figures produced by the British Department of Education show the City scored among the lowest of all British education authorities in mathematical ability by children at what used to be the 11-plus level.

A mere 30 per cent of 11 year olds at schools under the control of the Square Mile authorities reached the proficiency demanded by government inspectors... and they didn't score much better in English or science either.