I was surprised to read that John Bangs, head of education at the NUT, considers that the establishment of university technical colleges (UTCs) would be a “ghettoisation” of the school system (“Universities to sponsor new 14-19 vocational academies”, March 13). Quite the reverse!

The UTCs will deliver the 14-19 curriculum in technical and vocational subjects under one roof. Mr Bangs will know that the problem of delivering the diploma successfully depends upon a great deal of student transfer between schools, colleges and work placements.

An UTC will avoid this - and the university sponsorship will enhance the status of diplomas. Moreover, both the young apprentice stream and the student stream in UTCs will have the opportunity to progress through to foundation degrees.

Lord Baker of Dorking, House of Lords.