Madam, - I was interested to read the front-page article by your education editor (August 18th) regarding a perceived trend among Irish young people to seek places in higher education in the UK rather than here in Ireland.
Whilst the figures quoted in support of this are unequivocal and incontrovertible, the reason given in explanation of the exodus - that it is easier to get a place there than here - is only one of many possible interpretations of the statistics.
The pursuit of a place in British higher education is more often the result of a myriad of impulses: a wider range of courses, a greater variety of institutions, a wish to "fly the nest" and put maximum distance between parents and young people or, perhaps, a cultural wish to try something different.
Where my own school is concerned, and in direct contradiction of your report, it is equally often the case that bright pupils wish to apply to Oxford and Cambridge universities.
This year has seen one of our best academic achievers gain a place at Robinson College, Cambridge, to read natural sciences.
Hardly an example of someone seeking to achieve a place in higher education in the UK because it is easier to do so than in Ireland! - Yours, etc,
Dr IJ HASLETT, Warden, St Columba's College, Dublin.