Clare Marchant of Ucas thinks we should keep things as they are, as poorer students gain this way (Letters, 21 September). I would refute this completely. Those students with no family background of higher education can be given great confidence when they have good results. They often tend to underestimate their abilities. Especially girls. They can make more ambitious choices, both in the subjects they wish to study and the places. As to a gap year or months, surely, with a will, work experience could be organised. The public schools have arranged for exam results first before applying to university for many years. The lack of confidence is the main handicap for poorer pupils and it can be gained with knowledge of their strengths.
Christina Naylor
St Andrews, Fife
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