Shropshire Star comment: University criticism is just unfair

The university has attracted criticism because it accepts students who do not achieve straight As. And yet the negative remarks made against one of the region’s most important academic institutions misses the point – and reveals a lack of intelligence on behalf of those who are critical.

Wolverhampton does not market itself as being an alternative to Cambridge, Oxford or those from the Russell Group. It avowedly is not. Instead, it provides a service that is equally important: it takes students who have by the age of 18 achieved a little less than their high-flying counterparts, then it helps them to fulfil their potential.

And that service is important not just to the region, but the nation.

For there are many, many students who attend deprived and struggling inner city schools where resources are scant and where opportunity is absent. Teens who sit in classes of 35 where there is a lack of discipline, a lack of specialist teachers and a lack of facilities are invariably going to fare worse than those who attend some of the region’s finest fee-paying schools. Those who achieve three Es in those circumstances would inevitably have done better had they been in a class of 12 or enjoyed the benefit of private tuition on the side.

Universities like Wolverhampton provide nurturing, high quality education and leadership that helps young adults to shine. They can grow, improve, fulfil their potential and become their better selves – providing they are given the opportunity.

The University of Wolverhampton has responded to negative reports by pointing out such facts and by explaining the bigger picture.

The university is not dumbing down the quality of British degrees. Rather, it is reaching out and providing a helping hand to those who do have ability but who need more assistance than others, for a variety of reasons.

Universities should be inclusive, they should embrace diversity, and they should be accessible to all.