ISC statement on Oxford University's plans to widen access to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds
Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, responds to the University of Oxford's proposal to boost student numbers from under-represented backgrounds.
“We welcome Oxford University’s proposals. Contextual admissions are a good thing when applied well. It is important to acknowledge, however, that school type itself is not an indicator of socio-economic advantage or background.
“Independent schools have been engaged for some years with low-participation groups. ISC schools actively support state school Oxbridge applicants through entry tuition partnership projects and our schools are responsible for having set-up some highly successful state schools in terms of Oxbridge success, including the London Academy of Excellence and Harris Westminster.”