Oxford's global rank

Your article on the consultation responses to Oxford University's academic strategy "Unique Oxford 'at risk"' (June 3) incorrectly claims that the international benchmarking exercise undertaken by McKinsey "placed the university lower than might have been expected". If I may quote the green paper: "In The THES [world] rankings Oxford is fifth overall and third on peer review. The benchmarking exercise conducted by McKinsey... reinforces The THES findings. On research impact, the preliminary results put Oxford third, behind Harvard and, marginally, Stanford." As most members of Congregation will be aware, they will have a chance to debate Oxford's other green paper, on governance matters, on November 1 - not on June 28 as you reported.

Bill Macmillan
Pro vice-chancellor (academic)
Oxford University