Heaven forbid that we should have league tables in such a rich and diverse sector as further education. However, in the light of the FE Focus paragraph on “Quest for FE number one”, can I remind your readers that Richmond Upon Thames Tertiary College achieved nine grade 1s, 12 grade 2s and three grade 3s in its 1994 Further Education Funding Council inspection?
On a more serious note, we should remember that there is no level playing field in FE - many colleges went independent burdened by debt or with very small reserves, many had been savagely cut by their local authorities. Some grade 1s awarded by the Further Education Funding Council inspectorate are hard won, but some of the grade 3s, a balance of strengths and weaknesses, may represent a more significant achievement.
MARILYN FRAMPTON
Vice-principal
Richmond Upon Thames College
Twickenham
