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You do not report any figures on those training to teach at tertiary level ("Trainee teachers still overwhelmingly white and female," THES , July ). More than 40 per cent of students on our full-time teaching certificate courses are from minority ethnic groups and 54 per cent are women. All are aged over 24 (many well over) because we require experience outside education as an entry criterion.

This is not because of the London factor. Many students from minority groups have found further education much more supportive than their school experience or have developed late and studied in FE. They now wish to return to help others.

Ian McNay
School of Post-Compulsory Education and Training
University of Greenwich