Letter: Two-tier system

In THE debate over the proposed abolition of the cap on fees at English universities, much of the attention has been focused on the effect this will have on the ability of less well-off students to afford to go to university.

For all universities, the increase in income will be welcome, but some stand to gain more than others. Prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge will be in the position of being able to charge the highest fees, as their national and international reputations will ensure a continuing demand for places. Furthermore, Oxbridge students tend to be better off than the average student. At Oxford, for example, some 43.6 per cent of this year's intake are pupils from independent schools and such students are likely to cope better with rising fees than students from less well-off backgrounds.

Oxford and Cambridge may not be rich by the standards of some of the American Ivy League universities, but by British standards, they are quite wealthy. Cambridge, for instance, recently raised over 1 billion to celebrate the 800th anniversary of its founding. Edinburgh - probably Scotland's "richest" university - has, by comparison, struggled to raise 300 million over four years in its recent campaign.

One of the effects of the implementation of Lord Browne's recommendations will be the creation of a two-tier system of universities: the renowned and sought-after universities charging high levels of fees, and the rest.

KEDDIE LAW

Lunan Avenue

Montrose, Angus