51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

I write in the strongest possible terms about the article entitled "In defence of Cambridge excellence" by Frank H. King (THES, February 2). Dr King is seeking to mislead your readers, in the same way that he has sought to gain the support of senior members of Cambridge 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, by wilful misrepresentation of both the written evidence and oral testimony concerning the proposed BA course in education studies and 51¹ú²úÊÓƵrton's request to be allowed to admit students to that course.

In all negotiations with the university, 51¹ú²úÊÓƵrton has promised to admit to this new university course students who will be required to gain A-level grades of AAB or above. This is printed in the entry in 51¹ú²úÊÓƵrton's admissions prospectus and the forthcoming 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Admissions Prospectus, and the university central authorities have accepted 51¹ú²úÊÓƵrton's word on the matter. It is monstrous of Dr King to assert that 51¹ú²úÊÓƵrton will admit candidates at lower grades or that the course will be confined to a single college. The proposed course is a new tripos of the university and prospective candidates can apply to any college they choose and will be taught by faculties across the university.

Kate Pretty Principal 51¹ú²úÊÓƵrton College