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Private school head slams plans for Oxford "postcode lottery"

Posted on 18th August 2008

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A private school headteacher has slammed plans to adjust Oxford University's admissions procedure in a bid to widen its intake.

High master of St Paul's Martin Stephen told the Daily Telegraph that the idea of using an applicant's postcode to determine their background and aid the selection process is "morally and deeply offensive".

The Observer reported that disadvantaged candidates with good results will be given preferential treatment, with other aspects such as the quality of their school to be taken into account with their applications.

However, Mr Stephen argued against this decision, stating: "18-year-olds should only be judged on their ability and not on their social background."

He added that it is up to the government to improve education for all students, contending: "We cannot compensate 18-year-olds who have been inadequately prepared."

In June, master of Wellington College Anthony Seldon told the Times that he is concerned about plans for universities to give pupils from poorly-performing state schools preferential treatment.
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