Oxford accepts too few state pupils

Oxford University has failed to meet the benchmark for the percentage of state school pupils accepted. 

The university did not meet the 76 per cent target set by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), calling it an “unrealistic” request.

Even though the statistics agency sets a different goal for each institution, Oxford said its high entry requirements hinder the acceptance of a higher amount of state educated students.

The number of state school pupils accepted by the university did rise by two per cent last year, raising the total amount to 55,4 per cent.

The University's director of undergraduate admissions, Mike Nicholson, said: "We're working hard to make sure all talented students can get hold of the information they need to consider applying to Oxford, but, despite offering podcasts and e-mentoring, the university can't be with every student all of the time."