I taught for 20 years in Universities, my hubby for closer to 30 years, both at ex-Polytechnics. Both daughters went to Russell Group Unis. I can tell you that the standard of lecturers in the Poly system was at least equal to, if not exceeding, those in so-called top Unis. Students get more hours of contact, staff are more approachable and often have much-needed world/practical experience (though some subjects don't require it). Some students with weaker A-level results mature greatly in the next couple of years and whilst such Unis may not produce candidates for top Law/Accountancy/Medical etc jobs they are not short of potential employers for good students.
My younger daughter was encouraged to apply to Oxford, which she did along with 4 other pupils. She was turned down, the other 4 were accepted. We were all heartbroken. Of the four, three zonked out after a year and never returned to education at that level. Daughter went to Bristol, had the time of her life and 22 years on still lives there, married now. She is an accountant for a very well known company in the food industry that you will all know. The only problem with Bristol is that property is hellishly pricey!!!
