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I was pleased to read that the number of students holding BTEC qualifications who have been accepted on to university courses has doubled since 2008 (¡°Gender gaps among students revealed by Ucas¡±, www.timeshighereducation.co.uk, 21 January).

I think that it is also important to highlight what this analysis from Ucas doesn¡¯t say, which is that 40 per cent of students entering university with BTECs have parents who come from lower socio-economic backgrounds. For A-level entry students, the figure is just 20 per cent. We are proud that BTECs offer a socially diverse mix of young people a proven route to both higher education and the world of work.

Rod Bristow
President of UK and core markets
Pearson (owner of the BTEC qualifications)