Size matters

For undergraduate students the crucial aspects of contact time are the size and frequency of classes, tutorials and seminars ("Clocking on", 1 May). This is the conclusion that emerges strongly from our annual surveys of former pupils and from our discussions on campuses.

A university's prospectus should indicate, for each undergraduate subject, the latest available figures for the average frequency and size of such teaching groups for compulsory first-year courses, as this is the crucial phase of transition to study at university level. If more universities were to do this, they would increase their chances of attracting and retaining compatible and contented students.

Philip Rogerson, Director of higher education and careers, Sherborne School, Dorset.