Cambridge sees drop in state students
Saturday, 5 April 2008
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Cambridge university has seen a drop in the number of students recruited from state schools for the second year running, official figures revealed yesterday.
They showed the percentage of pupils from state schools in October 2007 dropped by one percentage point to 55 per cent compared with 2006.
More worryingly, though, applications from state school students dropped by a much larger five percentage points – fuelling claims that state school teachers failed to encourage their pupils to opt for places at elite universities.
The university said the figures were "disappointing". Dr Geoff Parks, director of admissions for the Cambridge colleges, said: "We remain committed to achieving our widening participation goals. In response, therefore, the university is launching a concerted drive to ... encourage more applicants from state schools."
Plans include scrapping the separate Cambridge application form and its £10 fee and giving more money for bursaries.
The university has also received a £4m gift from alumnus and businessman Harvey McGrath, former chairman of the Man Group, to be spent on its widening participation programme.
