Pupils from private schools 55% more likely to go to Oxford

Posted 23 Dec 2010

Less than one per cent of students who are eligible for free school meals obtained a place at Oxford or Cambridge University between 2005 and 2008.

That is according to a report released by the Sutton Trust yesterday (December 22nd), which also found that 55 per cent of the students who gained a place at one of these establishments had studied at an independent school.

It was also found that students from private schools were 22 times more likely to attend one of the top 25 universities in the country compared to those entitled to free school meals.

This could mean that those from a disadvantaged background may find it harder to gain a place at university and may want to consider other options.

Another option could be to take a TEFL course, as these can be completed online in a person's own time, which qualifies them to teach English abroad.

Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the charity, which campaigns to improve social mobility, said: "The prospects for less privileged students getting into top universities will get more difficult with the almost tripling of tuition fees, and the ending of the Aimhigher scheme."

A recent study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development found that those from a disadvantaged background were less likely to find a job.

By Abigail Parris

 

Category: Teaching and Learning