In your article “Exam boards should stick to examining” (TES, September 26), Colin Foster says all 14- to 19-year-olds have to have their own “usually expensive” textbooks, produced by or with the appropriate exam boards, and that supporters of this approach argue that it “simplifies teaching if there is one book containing only the exact material required to pass the exam”.

Fortunately, in the case of the ifs School of Finance nothing could be further from the truth. Our GCSE, AS and A-level equivalent qualifications in personal finance and financial studies, accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, do not have accompanying textbooks. All the learning materials are available online. This keeps costs to a minimum, enables immediate updating to take place, and is much more accessible for teachers and students.

Phil Hall, Head of public affairs, ifs School of Finance, London.