State pupils 'not getting fair chance'

State school pupils with top A-level grades are not getting a "fair chance" when applying to elite universities, according to a report.

The Sutton Trust found that despite similar average A-level results, Oxbridge colleges took nearly twice as many pupils from top private schools as from high-ranking grammars.

Researchers said the survey of more than one million pupils at 3,600 schools over the last five years had "deeply worrying" implications for social mobility in the UK.

Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the trust, said: "We are not saying there is any skulduggery going on here or that they are biased against these kids.

"But private school pupils are able to access better ranked universities with the same A-levels.

"There are a lot of kids at comprehensive schools not getting a fair chance at getting in to these places."

He said state schools need to work harder to prepare their best pupils for the applications process, and give better advice on which subjects to choose.

But he said universities also needed to "do more" to encourage children from lower-income families to apply, and criticised Oxbridge admissions processes.

"Tutors select their own pupils, which means there may be some personal preferences coming in," he warned.

The Trust is spending £10 million over the next five years on projects to widen access to higher education.

Universities UK said its members were committed to offering higher education to "all those who can benefit from it, regardless of background".

Its president, Professor Rick Trainor, said universities already do a great deal to widen access.

He said: "We are pleased this report acknowledges the hard work going on in the sector to open the doors of opportunity to people from a wide range of backgrounds."

Education minister Bill Rammell said: "We welcome this report from the Sutton Trust, which acknowledges the Government's support for fair access; we agree that there is still more to do and we work with universities to ensure fair access.

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