The scheme to attract poorer pupils by dropping grade requirements was announced in December last year. This includes those who receive free school meals, live in care or have suffered family problems.

However, it has been revealed that 33% of offers under the Scholar’s scheme were students taught at independent schools. The university insists that this was just to meet the criteria of the “widening participation strategy.”

This is a significant misrepresentation as just 14% of sixth form students in the UK are taught at independent schools.

The ‘93% Club’ at the University, which is the state school society, have said it makes no sense to do this. They said “Although it is not in contravention of the university’s Widening Participation Strategy, we lament the inclusion of independent schools on this scheme” The group added: “Students from state funded schools will by and large not have the same opportunities that those from independent schools enjoy.”

Polly Hatcher

(Image: University of Bristol)