Britain | Making the grade

State-school admissions are rising at Oxford and Cambridge

That means fewer privately educated students are getting in

2JF6EKW Picture dated June 29th shows students from Kings College Cambridge on their Graduation Day on Wednesday morning as the full ceremonies return after covid restrictions. Students dressed in black gowns as the traditional Cambridge University graduation ceremonies took place in front of family and friends today (Wed)  after they had to watch on screens last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.The students paraded into historic Senate House to collect their degrees from the prestigious university.Family and friends were able to watch the ceremony inside the Senate House, after having to wa
Mortar boardingImage: Alamy

The vast majority of Britons are educated in state schools: 94% of the population and 83% of those who take A-levels. Until recently, admissions to the best universities did not come close to reflecting these numbers. In 2013 state-school students made up 57% and 61% of those admitted to Oxford and Cambridge respectively. Admissions at other leading universities were also weighted towards teenagers who are educated privately.

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Making the grade”

From the March 18th 2023 edition

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