Increase in state pupils admitted to Cambridge

The University of Cambridge admitted a record proportion of state school pupils this year, adding to concerns that universities are discriminating against private school pupils.

About 72.5 per cent of the 36,000 undergraduates joining the university this term will come from state schools, up from 71.6 per cent last year.

Chris Mcgovern, the chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “The green light has been given to schools or youngsters that they can under-perform but still gain a place.”

Dr Sam Lucy, director of admissions for the Cambridge Colleges, said: “Every student who gets a place at Cambridge thoroughly deserves it.”