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I do not believe grade inflation comes from within institutions (THES, April 19). I have experienced external examiners deciding that we "under mark" and substantially raising our grades, lifting many people over the 2:1, 2:2 border, and Colin Lawson's suggestion that we should have a core, externally moderated curriculum would not serve to control grade inflation.

Many very bright, university-quality students used to leave after A levels, as it was possible to gain good employment. We may now actually be taking in stronger candidates who no longer have several paths from which to choose.

Name and address withheld