Education
17:01, 08-Dec-2018
Study shows Oxbridge over-recruiting elite school students
Updated
16:31, 11-Dec-2018
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A recent report showed that a majority of Oxford and Cambridge students come from elite schools in the UK.
Analysis of data from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service suggested that eight leading unspecified schools had 1,310 Oxbridge acceptances, compared with 1,220 acceptances from 2,894 other schools in total.
The report published by the Sutton Trust on Friday found that independent school students are seven times more likely to be recruited by Oxford or Cambridge than their peers at comprehensive schools.
A general view of the University of Oxford in Oxford, UK, August 23, 2014. /VCG Photo
A general view of the University of Oxford in Oxford, UK, August 23, 2014. /VCG Photo
The situation is similar to other top-level universities, as the report said independent school students are twice more likely to be enrolled at Russell Group universities than comprehensive school students.
The Russell Group is a self-selected association of 24 public research universities in the UK.
The research also suggested the difference of application and progression among students with similar exam results in all kinds of schools.
A general view of the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK, September 7, 2014. /VCG Photo
A general view of the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK, September 7, 2014. /VCG Photo
The number of applicants for Oxbridge with high scores from independent schools is twice more than applicants from comprehensive schools.
The rate of acceptance by Oxbridge is also different, as independent schools enjoy a success rate of 35 percent and comprehensive schools 28 percent.
Students react as they receive their A-level results at Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form in London, August 16, 2018. /VCG Photo
Students react as they receive their A-level results at Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form in London, August 16, 2018. /VCG Photo
Based on the findings, universities were recommended to use contextual data to rate applicants' performances and backgrounds in more comprehensive ways.
The report also suggested schools should provide earlier career advice and guidance to their students.
"All young people, regardless of what area they grow up in, or what school they go to, should have access to high-quality personal guidance that allows them to make the best-informed choices about their future," founder of the Sutton Trust Sir Peter Lampl said in the foreword of the report.
(Cover: A student of St. Mary's School concentrates as she sits an exam in the school hall in Calne, Wiltshire, UK, June 25, 2012. /VCG Photo)
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency