Oxford University wants to tackle accusations that it is socially exclusive
Around 15% of Oxford's undergraduate students are from deprived areas but the university wants to increase this significantly to 25% over the next four years.
Oxford University, home of a new scheme aimed at benefiting disadvantaged students. Credit: Getty Images
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Oxford University wants to battle claims that it is socially exclusive.
The University, criticised for being socially exclusive, has brought in a scheme to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It has promised a “sea-change” in admissions by the year 2023.
Professor Louise Richardson says she wants to ensure that “every academically exceptional student in the country knows that they have a fair chance of a place at Oxford”.
Oxford University, along with other top universities, has been criticised for being exclusive and perpetuating privilege.
The University wants to send the message that it remains competitive, but this should be based on ability and not background.
The access scheme will have places for 200 high-achieving disadvantaged students each year.
They are also introducing a second scheme, aimed at developing students who show high academic potential
Eligible students to the schemes will include refugees, children in care and students with care responsibilities themselves.
Offers will then be made on the basis of lower contextual A-level grades.
What does disadvantaged mean?
Students will now be identified by their socio-economic backgrounds.
Oxford University will use two postcode-based systems, Polar and Acorn, to measure local levels of deprivation or affluence.
Oxford Colleges, such as All Souls pictured below, are looking to become more diverse through new admission processes.
There have been critics of these systems though, including Universities Minister Chris Skidmore, who wants to find a better way of showing disadvantage.
But Oxford University says it will also consider some individual markers of hardship.
These include spending time in care and the eligibility for free school meals.
It is worth noting that all these figures concern UK undergraduates.
They do not include the increase in overseas applicants getting places at the institution.
Will this cause significant change?
Degrees from prestigious UK universities are rated not only in terms of academic excellence.
They are also seen as markers of social status and a passport to top professions.
There will be more questions about what “fair” entry means though. This includes the criticism that the University is engaging in social engineering.
But there are concerns from the private school sector about not making unfair assumptions.
“Many pupils in state schools come from high-income homes and many pupils attending independent schools receive means-tested bursaries,” said Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council.
Labour’s shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said “this is an important step in the right direction”.
She said that “for too long our top universities have been a closed club”.
What do you think about this new admission policy? Tweet us at CityLondonNews with your opinions.
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HeadlineOxford University wants to tackle accusations that it is socially exclusive
Short HeadlineOxford University has promised 25% of places for disadvantaged students
StandfirstAround 15% of Oxford's undergraduate students are from deprived areas but the university wants to increase this significantly to 25% over the next four years.
Oxford University wants to battle claims that it is socially exclusive.
The University, criticised for being socially exclusive, has brought in a scheme to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It has promised a “sea-change” in admissions by the year 2023.
Professor Louise Richardson says she wants to ensure that “every academically exceptional student in the country knows that they have a fair chance of a place at Oxford”.
Oxford University, along with other top universities, has been criticised for being exclusive and perpetuating privilege.
The University wants to send the message that it remains competitive, but this should be based on ability and not background.
The access scheme will have places for 200 high-achieving disadvantaged students each year.
They are also introducing a second scheme, aimed at developing students who show high academic potential
Eligible students to the schemes will include refugees, children in care and students with care responsibilities themselves.
Offers will then be made on the basis of lower contextual A-level grades.
What does disadvantaged mean?
Students will now be identified by their socio-economic backgrounds.
Oxford University will use two postcode-based systems, Polar and Acorn, to measure local levels of deprivation or affluence.
Oxford Colleges, such as All Souls pictured below, are looking to become more diverse through new admission processes.
There have been critics of these systems though, including Universities Minister Chris Skidmore, who wants to find a better way of showing disadvantage.
But Oxford University says it will also consider some individual markers of hardship.
These include spending time in care and the eligibility for free school meals.
It is worth noting that all these figures concern UK undergraduates.
They do not include the increase in overseas applicants getting places at the institution.
Will this cause significant change?
Degrees from prestigious UK universities are rated not only in terms of academic excellence.
They are also seen as markers of social status and a passport to top professions.
There will be more questions about what “fair” entry means though. This includes the criticism that the University is engaging in social engineering.
But there are concerns from the private school sector about not making unfair assumptions.
“Many pupils in state schools come from high-income homes and many pupils attending independent schools receive means-tested bursaries,” said Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council.
Labour’s shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said “this is an important step in the right direction”.
She said that “for too long our top universities have been a closed club”.
What do you think about this new admission policy? Tweet us at CityLondonNews with your opinions.
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