Rod Grant: Need for maths qualification doesn't add up

AM I alone in questioning the importance our universities attach to mathematics? I understand the need to be numerate and arithmetically confident, but I am less convinced we need all students achieving success at maths.

I find it incomprehensible that you need Standard Grade mathematics to study acting at the University of Central Lancashire, or fashion design at the University of Glamorgan, Cardiff and Pontypridd.

These examples are not unusual; you can hardly find a degree course at a UK university where maths at Standard Grade is not an entry requirement.

I love maths and I love teaching maths, but I cannot understand why a student wishing to study drama has to prove competence in "the interpretation and use of proportionality between the size of the sector and the angle at the centre of pie-charts".

Perhaps maths is not the only subject that needs looked at. What about the pupil with a language difficulty who fails to achieve Standard Grade English and cannot be considered for a Foundation Degree at Derby University in Motorsport Technology. I am heartbroken for those who struggle with the required competences despite displaying a real talent or gift for creative or practical subjects.

Our system discards these young people from higher education and it seems an entirely illogical way of assessing someone's ability in their chosen field.

Perhaps there is value in the new numeracy and literacy qualifications we are anticipating but the true value will only be demonstrated if universities accept these qualifications, opening up higher education to a wider, equally deserving audience.

• Rod Grant is the headteacher of independent school Clifton Hall, near Edinburgh.