Inflating an age-old debate 3

In the latest issue of The Times Higher , there are four articles bemoaning the lowering of standards in UK higher education and the external pressures making it difficult for us to produce graduates who think independently, critically and clearly (Kenneth Minogue, Alan Ryan, Roger Schank and Tim Birkhead). Normally, you publish only one or two by regular columnists such as Frank Furedi and Bob Brecher.

The paper would be more supportive of the morale of the sector and of its international reputation if such articles were balanced by others celebrating the achievements of departments and individuals across the disciplines in giving their students a life-transforming education despite the difficulties. I, for one, would be only too happy to oblige.

George MacDonald Ross Leeds University