Don’t write off academic slow-starters

Despite getting a C, a D and a fail in my three comprehensive school A-levels in 1980, I gained a good degree and a PhD in mathematics (Concern over university places given for C and D grades at A-level, 13 December). Since then, I have had a satisfying career in industry and academia, living the high life in various places in Europe and China along the way. In 2014 I was the overall winner of a Space Oscar, the Copernicus Masters prize, which has led to the creation of a successful technical startup company in my home town of Nottingham, which keeps me off the streets, I guess.

My reason for poor A-level results? I was a normal working-class 18-year-old with more hormonal imbalances, distractions and self-doubt than you could shake a stick at. I cannot thank Leicester University enough for offering me a place back then, as it did everything it said on the tin and really changed my life. To any university that is “mindful” of accepting candidates with lower grades, I offer nothing but raspberries.
Dr Andy Sowter
Nottingham

• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com

• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

• Do you have a photo you’d like to share with Guardian readers? Click here to upload it and we’ll publish the best submissions in the letters spread of our print edition