THE article University Life by Matthew Collier, right, on May 20) was of interest to me because I attended the Oxford School of Art and Technology, from 1939, when it was located in Church Street, St Ebbe’s and, at a time when John Henry Brookes was the principal.

I was treasurer of the Bury Knowle Art Group for many years – an art group that Mr Brookes helped to speed on its way by being its first chairman.

I sometimes wonder if he imagined, back in those early days at Church Street, what the future would hold.

When Tony Blair suggested that all who wished should get a university degree; no doubt in the hope that it would help drive the country forward, I suspect that the courses that Oxford Brookes offers is what he had hoped the majority would aim for. Unfortunately the majority of students seemed to prefer the arts, philosophy, politics etc. with the result that science subjects started to be dropped from the curriculum.

No doubt some gained employment in the arts but far too many found that there was little in what they had learnt that led to being able to make a living. Now, with the high cost of further education, a great many, who might have benefited from a university degree, find that paying for one of these courses is too risky.

DERRICK HOLT Fortnam Close Headington Oxford

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