Partner Article

Gap in State-Private university attendance remains

There is a massive gap between state and private school pupils entering university, according to the BBC.

Information published by the Sutton Trust charity showed school-by-school data entry on higher education, and on analysis, the BBC found that private schools often get more pupils into selective universities than state schools with similar results.

Now, many universities are calling for freedom to offer places to brighter state school pupils. Data shows that on average; less than one pupil from lower-performing schools went to Oxbridge each year.

This information has highlighted to many the disparity in exam results, as independent and selective state schools tended to score highest. According to Sutton Trust chairman, this is causing “stark inequalities” in entrance to university.

The Russell Group, which represents the 20 leading universities was concerned that Sutton Trust failed to explain the reasons behind the gap, as the survey only took A level points into account, not the exact grades.

This information has been slammed by the Schools Minister, who said it was a clear reflection of “Labours failure to improve social mobility”.

The government now hopes to improve schools to target funding for poor pupils, though many critics have suggested that the increase in fees at many institutions will dissuade pupils from deprived backgrounds.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .