Sir – Objections by a vocal minority to Oxford Brookes' plans for progress are sadly nothing new.

Last month I gave a public lecture on the life of John Henry Brookes, the spiritual founder of Brookes who oversaw its development in Headington in the 1950s.

Sixty years ago, some folk opposed a second educational institution after John Henry Brookes unveiled blueprints for the Oxford College of Technology in Headington — the precursor of today's university.

No doubt that pioneering educationalist would give a wry smile were he still alive to watch events unfold now.

John Henry Brookes understood the true value of education to individuals and communities — something that seems to be lost on the people who have written letters to this paper opposing Brookes’ proposals.

Brookes argued that Oxford needed the school of technology and the people agreed and spoke.

Of course, the mindset of many is the same now as it was then. History shows us this will always be the case.

John Brookes was utterly committed to young people and devoted his life in a battle to provide the very, very best opportunities for them.

That historic legacy lies in the DNA of the modern university. He was also a realist and created a forward-looking institution with the facilities to match.

The aim of Oxford Brookes remains the same as it always has: to give students the best possible education in world-class facilities.

Bryan Brown Oxford