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Independent schools 'have resources for pupils to perform better'

Posted on 12th August 2008

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Oxford University has defended its admissions policy, stating that it is inevitable a high proportion of students will come from independent schools.

Writing in the Guardian, admissions tutor at St John's College, Oxford Tom Kemp said that the institution places a high priority on teaching and research excellence.

Although Oxford has been criticised for what some see as an unfair bias towards private schools, Mr Kemp explained that such an education often provides an education that better prepares pupils for stringent academic criteria.

"The independent and the selective state schools in affluent areas of Britain have the resources and parental support to prepare their pupils to perform better," he wrote.

However, Mr Kemp did say that Oxford is taking steps to ensure that talented pupils from all backgrounds are considered fairly.

This week the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference criticised universities for suggesting they would ignore the new A-level A* grade in their admissions policies.
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