In 2007, which group had a higher proportion of places at Oxford University?

In 2007, which group had a higher proportion of places at Oxford University?

• A. Ex-independent students
• B. State-sector comprehensives, sixth form centres and grammar schools
• C. Private schools not included in the comparison
• D. Neither group had representation

Answer: (A)

This question centers on how students’ social backgrounds influence access to highly selective universities. In 2007, former independent (private) school students secured a larger share of places at Oxford than those coming from state-sector schools (comprehensives, sixth-form centres, and grammar schools). This reflects a longer-standing pattern where schooling and associated resources—tamiliarity with the admissions process, tutoring, and networks—give private-school students advantages in gaining admission to elite institutions. Why this is the best reading: the data show a higher representation for ex-independent students, highlighting inequality in access to top universities tied to prior schooling. The other options don’t fit because they would imply either the state sector had more representation, or private schools outside the comparison were the focus, or that neither group had any representation—none align with the idea that ex-independent students had the larger share of places. The takeaway is that social background continues to shape who gets into prestigious universities.

This question centers on how students’ social backgrounds influence access to highly selective universities. In 2007, former independent (private) school students secured a larger share of places at Oxford than those coming from state-sector schools (comprehensives, sixth-form centres, and grammar schools). This reflects a longer-standing pattern where schooling and associated resources—tamiliarity with the admissions process, tutoring, and networks—give private-school students advantages in gaining admission to elite institutions.

Why this is the best reading: the data show a higher representation for ex-independent students, highlighting inequality in access to top universities tied to prior schooling. The other options don’t fit because they would imply either the state sector had more representation, or private schools outside the comparison were the focus, or that neither group had any representation—none align with the idea that ex-independent students had the larger share of places. The takeaway is that social background continues to shape who gets into prestigious universities.