Letter: A-level standards must be equal

Sir: The suggestion that it does not matter if grades in one subject at A-level are at a different standard from grades in another (letter, 8 March) is indefensible.

The idea that all university entrance tutors are aware of the differences between subjects and make offers which compensate is not borne out by our experience. It is true that offers to candidates for courses in universities which depend on abilities in mathematics and physics are lower than for many arts courses. However, students who are studying these "hard" subjects before applying for courses in law, medicine, accountancy and other high- demand courses are seldom given concessionary offers. Their offers are usually the same as those for students taking art courses.

V S Anthony

Secretary

Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference

Leicester