HOW could I possibly have been surprised to learn that York St John College has a very low drop-out rate (December 19)?

As a mature student here, I can certainly endorse Finlay Coupar's statement that "these figures provide significant evidence of the effectiveness of our widening participation and retention strategies".

I applied to York St John College while I was still a serving prisoner. After a plethora of difficulties, I am still here largely thanks to the continual support and encouragement I have received over the past three years.

Surprised? Not likely!

Terry Deacon,

St Mary's House,

The Grange,

Huntington Road, York.

Updated: 08:35 Saturday, December 22, 2001