By Gavin Mackintosh-
Oxford University is admitting more BAME students from state schools, and disadvantaged backgrounds, according to a new report.
The university’s fourth annual admissions statistical report was published yesterday, with results highlighting increased diversity at the university.
A total of 3,695 students were admitted to Oxford, about 400 more than its usual admission rates.
The report reveals that Over the past five years, the proportion of students from state schools rose from 58 to 68 per cent.
The proportion of new students from socio-economically disadvantaged areas rose from 8.2% to 15.9% over the last five years.
Record Numbers Of State Students
The academic year 2020-21, also saw the university recruit record numbers of state school-educated students (68.6% of the total, a rise of 18% over five years), black, Asian and minority ethnic students (23.6%, a 50% increase) and students with disabilities (10.4%, a 44% rise), according to its annual admissions report
The proportion identifying as Black and Minority Ethnic rose from 15 to 23 per cent. The proportion from socio-economically disadvantaged areas rose from eight to 15 per cent
The proportion from areas of low progression to higher education rose from 11 to 15 per cent.
In a statement, Oxford university said: “There was concern across the sector that the method chosen to award A-level grades last year might negatively impact young people from under-represented backgrounds, particularly those who had been adversely affected by the pandemic crisis.
“However, the collegiate university worked to support students affected, being as flexible as possible, ensuring that the most talented applicants were accepted, especially those who are under-represented at the university.
Mrs Richardson commented: “While the pandemic has, in many ways, changed the way we operate, it has not weakened our commitment to diversifying the make-up of our student body.
“The progress evidenced in this, our fourth annual admissions report, is a testament to the dedication of our admissions teams, the support of school teachers and, of course, the many talents of able and ambitious young people.
“Notwithstanding all the adjustments and adaptations required by the pandemic, we remain committed to ensuring that every talented, academically driven pupil in the country, wherever they come from, sees Oxford as a place for them.”
Driving change: Oxford Uni Vice Chancellor, Louise Richardson
Samina Khan, director of undergraduate admissions and outreach at the university, added: “The pandemic will continue to hit the least advantaged students for a while, hence we remain resolute in stamping out inequality in access to Oxford.
“Working together with schools across the country, we are increasing our focus on reaching regional ‘cold-spots’ where the most talented young people are still under-represented at Oxford driving down the risk that we are missing out on some of the UK’s brightest students.