[Gayle]

I think you're right Neil.

I think the only flaw in the thinking is aspiration. Don't we all want the best for our children and don't we all want them to achieve as much as they are capable of. If we have a bright child then naturally, we want them to have as many career options open to them as possible and further education is one way to open doors later on.

I don't have a degree and I've done just fine out of it (I went to art college to do an HND).

I also agree with the point about maturity. Some people are capable of degrees but really not suited to the university lifestyle. That's why it's important for places like Acc and Rossendale College to offer vocational degrees so that people can still get the education but stay local if it suits.