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The article "Stakes rise in battle for places" ( THES , October 11) highlighted the fears of many students, parents and staff about the likely scenario for those applying through the Universities Central Admissions Service this autumn.

Can education secretary Estelle Morris assure me, as a parent, that my son will not be one of another generation of sixth-formers who, having exhausted themselves over A/AS levels, will have to face unwarranted uncertainty and exaggerated competition for places in universities of their choice?

It is hard to stand by and see hard-working children suffer in their life choices merely because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Will appropriate resources be given to higher education to ensure there will be no such furore next year?

Susan Grace
York