The failed precursor to the new universities

SIR – As one who, in happier academic days, taught law in leading English and Australian universities, I endorse Simon Heffer’s attack (Comment, July 5) on ill-considered expansionary higher education policies.

Dr Heffer aims his bitterest barbs at the 1992 decision of John Major’s government to transform polytechnics into newly minted universities. Instead of their former focus on practical training, they would henceforth ape the university’s academic broad brush. This was a lamentable decision that has led, all too often, to students paying high fees for degrees of questionable value.

I am ashamed to admit that the 1992 “revolution” may have been inspired by my own nation, Australia, which, in 1987, made instant universities of its technology colleges – with similar results. Indeed the then Labor government minister, John Dawkins, later repented the policy.

John Kidd Auchenflower, Queensland, Australia

SIR – Simon Heffer argues correctly for the return of vocational education, and laments the loss of the polytechnics, as do I. As an alumnus thereof I can vouch that a poly education in the late Seventies and early Eighties was not second class. A large part of our business studies course came from Harvard Business School and other institutions at the bleeding edge of management education.

Most “education” involves writing essays about whatever one is studying, rather than doing it. The opposite is true of apprenticeships and in-job training. In our case, we spent a year gaining industrial experience, which made all the difference.

Academia does not suit all characters or intellects. It was said to me that the highest accolade for a university student was to be invited to stay on as a postgrad. The highest accolade for a polytechnic student was to go out and change the world.

Andrew J Lewis Chelmsford, Essex