Sir – I am writing in response to a letter which suggested that “Brookes…might allocate special places, or ‘Oxford scholarships’, to the less well off in our city” (September 9). I felt it was important to reassure readers that this is something which Oxford Brookes already provides, and will continue to provide, for students. For full-time undergraduates entering their first year in 2012 we have introduced a scheme to provide enhanced cash bursaries of up to £2,000 per annum and additional fee waivers of up to £2,500 for of those from low income groups (a total package of up to £4,500 per annum). Around 40 per cent of students will get support of at least £1,000 per annum. This is in addition to our policy that full-time students studying for a foundation degree with our partner colleges will be charged £6,000 a year, which is often a popular option for local students. We favour the recruitment of students from Oxfordshire through our guaranteed offer scheme — this is particularly important as the competition for university places intensifies.

Paul Large, Registrar and clerk to the board, Oxford Brookes University