For the first time, 250 of the 2,500 places available every year will be reserved for disadvantaged state school pupils. The move is likely to spark accusations of ‘social engineering’ as it will leave middle-class and private school pupils competing for fewer places. Under the Foundation Oxford scheme, 50 students will be admitted with lower grades if they show potential but have faced extreme hardship, known as ‘contextual admissions’. In addition, the Opportunity Oxford scheme will reserve 200 places for students from an ‘under-represented’ group who meet the standard requirements. Figures for Oxford’s 2019 intake show a record 64.5 per cent of offers were made to state school students.

Source: Daily Mail May 20, 2019 23:00 UTC