IT could soon be the case that people without three Ds at A Level will not be able to go to university.

When you look at a university like the one in our city you would be forgiven for thinking that these proposals could lead to a drop in student numbers.

That would mean less money for the city's cafes, bars and other businesses.

The University of Worcester has a minimum entry requirement of 48 UCAS points, equating to two Ds at A Level, although students are generally only accepted if they have higher grades.

For example, the university's English Literature degree most commonly accepts people with 112 UCAS points including a minimum grade C in A2 English.

The new proposals, formed as part of a Government review of higher education, would restrict student loans to those with three Ds or above.

If I remember correctly, a friend of mine from university would have been barred from studying under these measures, as he underperformed at A Level.

He was in his 30s, working behind a bar, when he decided to change direction and study creative writing.

His life experience made up for any qualifications he was missing.

From leading the open mic society to throwing house parties, he embraced university more than anyone I knew.

He might not have cracked the best seller list, but he has gone on to study a Master's degree and is exploring a career in screenwriting.

My friend did not have any substantial savings and lacked the time and money to retake his A Levels.

The only reason he was able to study was because of the student loans provided by the Government.

There will be thousands of people around the country in a similar position, who will presumably be barred from university life if these plans go ahead.

This, in my opinion, will be a loss.

Why should they be deprived of the opportunity to get a degree?

People decide against studying at A Level for a variety of reasons, such as starting an apprenticeship.

Many have alternative qualifications, some of which are of immense value.

These people should be allowed to return to education - life experience is often worth more than exam results.