University degrees seem to be turning into first class nonsense

Sir, – As we emerge from the Covid pandemic, it came as a surprise when I discovered that, despite well-publicised disruption to education at all levels, the proportion of students in England graduating with first class honours is not far short of 40%, a third of all students now deemed capable of achieving the pinnacle of undergraduate excellence.

As someone who graduated in the 1960s I find this astonishing.

During my course it was evident from early years those likely to gain a first, for the simple reason they were exceptionally clever, so it came as no surprise when the recipients were announced – they comprised 8% of the class, one of whom became a professor before reaching the age of 30.

To illustrate that our class was not unusual, the percentage of firsts the following year was identical.

Giving her views on the present surprising figures, the head of the Office for Students is quoted as saying “there may be a variety of reasons – including improved teaching and learning – that could lead to an increase in the rate of firsts awarded”.

Aye maybe; I can think of more likely reasons. The devaluing of degrees with firsts being as common as two a penny brings no long-term advantage to either recipient or society.

Those who are exceptional being indistinguishable from those whose talent is less.

Saying you have a first has less merit if Mary two doors down and Jim at the end of the road are similarly honoured.

If this trend continues anything less than a first will be, to quote Liverpool’s legendary manager

Bill Shankly on verbal agreements, “not worth

the paper they are written on”.

Will Scotland’s figures also show how common firsts have become?

Ivan W Reid, Kirkburn, Laurencekirk.

Almost 40% of students graduating in England are getting first class degrees.