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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 University, by wilful misrepresentation of both the written evidence and oral testimony concerning the proposed BA course in education studies and ÍøÆØÃÅrton's request to be allowed to admit students to that course.

In all negotiations with the university, ÍøÆØÃÅrton 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 ÍøÆØÃÅrton's admissions prospectus and the forthcoming University Admissions Prospectus, and the university central authorities have accepted ÍøÆØÃÅrton's word on the matter. It is monstrous of Dr King to assert that ÍøÆØÃÅrton 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 ÍøÆØÃÅrton College