Marked improvement

It needs no bravery to reform the 2:1 or clarify the expanding number of first-class degrees ("New class proposed to end 2:1 bonanza", November 9).

In admissions to doctoral studies, "a good 2:1" already means a degree mark of 65 or better. An "outstanding first" has almost all grades in the A range: this could be classed 1a, with 1b for a majority in the A range. Similarly, 2:1a could be grades B, B+ or better, with 2:1b a majority at B- or above.

Unanimity is not needed to make a start on change.

David Booth
Birmingham University