Oxbridge admission process ‘is deterring poor bright pupils’

The prestigious universities should simplify the process to help those that are confused or unfamiliar with it, according to a new report
The new study, published by the Sutton Trust today, argues that the applications systems for Oxford and Cambridge are too complex and lead to confusion for some students. Students applying to study at the universities may have to undergo different interviews, tests and written assessments depending on the course and college they are applying to, the Trust claims. “Both universities evaluate many different aspects of a prospective student’s application in great detail,” the study says.“But this means that there is significant complexity in the admissions system to both universities which can seem off-putting to students unfamiliar with the process who may have little support from their schools.”

It also warns that interviews “can be intimidating for young people, not least to those who have not had significant preparation and support to prepare.”

Sir Peter Lampl, chair of the Sutton Trust, said: “Over the last two decades we at the Sutton Trust have worked very closely with both Oxford and Cambridge to increase the proportion of state schools students. This and other outreach initiatives have resulted in 20% more state school students.

“However, more should be done. Our surveys and experience suggest that many bright state school students are put off by the application process which is both intimidating and complex.”

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An Oxford University spokeswoman said: “Oxford is committed to transparency and self-scrutiny: we review our selection criteria and admissions policies on an ongoing basis with an eye to ensuring that our processes are fair and do not disproportionately disadvantage any group of candidates.

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