Letter: Degree results

Sir: The reason independent school students arrive at university with better A-levels than those from state schools, but then perform less well at degree level (report, 26 October), is surely down to economics. Investment of pounds 5,000 - pounds 6,000 per year in their education compared to less than pounds 2,500 for a state school pupil better ensures a university place.

However, on the level playing field at university the state pupil will then move ahead; after all if he/she gained admission on such an inadequate input of educational resources, the potential would appear obvious.

Equally obvious, however, is the short-sightedness of universities such as Oxford in taking less than half their students from state schools. The independent sector's A-level superiority has been "bought" by positive discrimination in their students' favour (more cash), and is rewarded with a disproportionate share of university places. Equally positive discrimination in favour of state pupils would right this imbalance, and ensure that students with the most potential entered university.

Your article says that "no university officially makes allowances for an applicant's background..." It's time they did.

REGINALD H SMITH

London N6