Universities told to favour minority students

Universities were encouraged yesterday to give preference to students from minority backgrounds in a scheme that could see working-class and ethnic minority applicants win places ahead of equally qualified, non-minority students.

A government-backed review of university admissions concluded that diversity in college had major educational benefits and called on universities to do more to broaden their student intake. Although the task-force on higher education admissions recommended that no student should automatically be treated favourably because of their background, it also encouraged universities to consider "the educational benefits of diversity" when offering places.

Professor Steven Schwartz, the vice-chancellor of Brunel University, who headed the task force, said: "If you have two students with similar marks it is okay for universities to choose to enable the university to become a more diverse place. That has educational benefits."

The report's recommendations could see state school pupils allowed into university with lower A-level grades than privately-educated students if they could demonstrate "potential" for higher education.

"Generally, admissions staff are not legally permitted to consider an applicant's race, sex, sexual orientation or religion in determining whether or not an application is to be accepted.

"However, they may consider an individual applicant's experiences, skills and perspectives and how these could contribute to the learning environment of the course or to the wider community."

Professor Schwartz said that race, class and gender were areas where universities should not be afraid to increase diversity. "Students don't just learn from their professors, they learn from each other. They learn communication and teamwork across cultures and learn to empathise."

The report also recommended an overhaul of the traditional Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) form to enable disadvantaged students to give tutors detailed information about the area in which they lived and the school they attended.

Universities UK, which represents vice-chancellors, backed the report's recommendations. Professor Ivor Crewe, the president of Universities UK, said: "The principles outlined in the Schwartz review provide a solid foundation for institutions looking to enhance good practice in their admissions policies and procedures."

The report came as the Government confirmed a shake-up of the admissions system, under which students would apply to colleges after they get their results as soon as 2008.

Charles Clarke, the Secretary of State for Education, said he wanted to act "immediately" to move towards a post-qualification application (PQA) arguing it would "be fairer and more transparent" for students than relying on predicted grades.

"Although I am aware of the practical difficulties, I remain persuaded by the arguments for such a system and think it is time to make it achievable," Mr Clarke said.

John Dunford, the general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, welcomed the report.

"I very much hope that, after 10 years of talking, PQA will at last be implemented by British universities," he said.

REVIEW FINDINGS

* Universities should consider applicants' "potential" as well as their A-level grades

* Tutors should consider whether applicants would increase the diversity of the student community by race, class or gender

* There should be one national university admissions test to judge students' potential, similar to the American Scholastic Aptitude Test

* The admissions system should be reformed so that students get their A-level grades before being offered places

* Ucas application forms should be overhauled to give children from poor state schools, or who felt they had a tough upbringing, an opportunity to explain this