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Ellie Bothwell is right to draw attention to Alexander and Helen Astin¡¯s intriguing study of the importance of developing niceness in higher education (¡°Niceness is the route to equality¡±, News, 30 July). At the University of Chichester, we are proud that our students are judged to be the nicest in the UK, according to studentmoneysaver and the alternative university league tables. In my own department, we have for many years considered applicants for admission partly on that basis ¨C alongside their performance audition. It really is important.

Ben Hall
Head of music, University of Chichester