Still happy together 1

After reading "Colleges warm to university divorce" (November 26), one might believe that the foundation-degree partnerships that blossomed during the first flush of youth are now characterised by familiar relationship ills: mistrust, disagreement and overexpectation.

While this may be true for some, this is not the case in my area. The association my college and our local university enjoy is fruitful because it is built on realistic expectations, mutual respect and mature dialogue. The result is the University of Plymouth Colleges partnership: the largest foundation-degree network in the UK. We will celebrate our next anniversary rather than seeking extramarital relationships.

Phil Davies
Plymouth College of FE