SIR — Concerning RJ Parham's letter (Free Press January 31), for someone close to the end of their journey through sixth form at West Somerset College and hoping to attend a Russell Group University in September, I feel it was an injustice not only to me and my peers but to the teachers who strive to support us.

I will not dispute that West Somerset College has weaknesses, arguably all institutions do. However, there are certain sixth form departments that excel in the areas they teach.

For economics, English literature and history, the subjects I take, the quality of teaching is irrefutable and I struggle to believe that I would have received a higher standard of teaching had I chosen to go to any other college.

For example, in 2012, 82 per cent of English Literature students achieved either an A or B grade at A level with a 100 per cent pass rate overall.

Additionally, it seems that in order to attain a successful, developing society, we need varying professions and diverse skill sets.

So it is only right that vocational career paths are deemed as important as academic paths.

Everyone has the potential to be a high flyer in any profession they choose, and I for one feel proud to be part of a college that caters for both academic and vocational students, enabling everyone to find their niche.

While I understand Mr Parham was merely trying to make the point that Minehead Middle School wants to provide a more traditional syllabus for academic students, there is a way to express oneself and the inference his letter provided on the ability of all the students at West Somerset College is wholly unjust.

The majority of students who achieved the highest GCSE grades in my year chose to stay - therefore perhaps it should be considered that West Somerset College has far more to offer than it is given credit for.

Orla Walsh,

Sixth Form Student,

West Somerset College.