Contrary to some of your coverage in recent months, higher education statistics show there are almost 47,000 students studying for foundation degrees, compared with about 38,000 the previous year.

Over 80 per cent of universities with degree-awarding powers are supporting foundation degrees and 1,800 courses have been designed, developed and validated in partnership with colleges and employers since 2001.

This points to their increased popularity to both business and students throughout the UK.

Derek Longhurst

chief executive

Foundation Degree Forward

Lichfield

Staffordshire