Industry News
Private school pupils to get 'Oxbridge advantage'
Posted on 23rd January 2008
Pupils from private schools are likely to strengthen their grip on places at the best universities in the next few years, according to a new report.
A survey of academics from the 1994 Group of 19 leading universities found that most thought the pattern of admissions will change once the new A* grade for A-level marks over 90 per cent is introduced in 2010.
The report concluded that winning a place at Oxford or Cambridge will require at least two A* grades and that pupils who achieve two A* grades despite not applying for Oxbridge will almost certainly enter their first choice university course.
However, pupils who achieve one A* grade or straight As will face strong competition for the remaining places on good courses.
The study also predicted that pupils who benefit from an independent school education will dominate the A* grade, making it difficult for research-led universities to improve access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A recent report by the education charity the Sutton Trust showed that a third of Oxbridge undergraduates come from a group of 100 elite schools, 80 of which are in the independent sector.