Industry News
Oxford announces increase in minority applications
Posted on 20th December 2007
Oxford University has announced an increase in the number of applications and acceptances from pupils from black ethnic minority backgrounds.
The university's figures reveal that 13,639 candidates applied to become undergraduates this year, which is an increase of more than eight per cent on 2006.
Applications from black ethnic minority sixth formers rose 19 per cent and acceptance by 21 per cent.
Mike Nicholson, director of undergraduate admissions, commented that applicants had been competitive.
"It is good to see that specifically targeted outreach activities, such as our work with black ethnic minorities, [are] beginning to bear fruit," he commented.
Earlier this month, the university was criticised for accepting a disproportionate number of private school pupils to its courses.
Nearly 45 per cent of undergraduates beginning their studies at the prestigious institution this year attended an independent school, the Daily Telegraph reported.
This is despite private schools accounting for just seven per cent of Britain's schoolchildren.
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