Letter: Degree results
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments