Fingers on buzzers… are Oxford and Cambridge students really the best?

The spires of Oxford. ‘Many highly intelligent students either don’t choose Oxbridge for good reasons or can’t have expensive coaching in small classes.’ Photograph: Arsty/Getty/iStockphoto

Joshua Loo (Letters, 30 April) seems to assume Oxbridge students are more able than the opposition and, like the tallest in his analogy, would always win. Having taught at all levels in the state system, I know that just isn’t true. Many highly intelligent students either don’t choose Oxbridge for good reasons or can’t have expensive coaching in small classes. But perhaps I misunderstand him because my degree is from Manchester.
Jennifer Highwood
Swallowfield, Berkshire

• Next, Frank Coffield will be suggesting that 300 independent colleges compete in the Boat Race. Given recent showings, Oxford might actually appreciate that.
Prof David Thomas
Hertford College, Oxford University

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