Previous research suggested that candidates from some black and minority ethnic groups were less likely to receive an offer of a place from an "old" university. These findings were disputed in a re-analysis carried out for HEFCE which found that only Pakistani candidates were significantly less likely to receive offers (from both…

Applications for places in UK Higher Education are usually made before the results of A-level examinations are known, so references from schools and colleges normally refer to expected (or predicted) grades. Inaccuracies in these predictions may be systematically related to key characteristics of the applicant and could lead to…

Examines the higher proportion of students from independent schools over state students being admitted into Oxford and Cambridge between 1972 and 1993. Identifies a method for establishing a fair balance between state and independent schools and men and women. Discusses the findings in detail. (CMK)

Access to higher education in Great Britain has been restricted. The structure of British secondary education limits the number of potential college applicants. In order to maintain its funding and undergraduate enrollment levels, Oxford must admit more students from state-run schools. (AM)

Examines the conceptual framework of sponsored and contest mobility originated by Ralph H. Turner to illuminate student educational mobility in the British and U.S. educational systems in 1960. Concludes that today entry into U.S. higher education is determined by demand rather than ability but entry into the British higher education system is…

Examines, in detail, the changing nature of the composition of the student body at the University of Birmingham, England. Discusses the institutional changes that occurred as the small provincial science college grew into a major state-supported university. Provides extensive data and interpretation as well as statistical tables and graphs. (MJP)

Examines the admission criteria, placement test scores, and final examination scores of students at Oxford and Cambridge Universities for statistical evidence of gender and social inequality inherent in the system. Discovers irrefutable evidence of inequity among test scores and offers several explanations for this. (MJP)

Analyzes data collected from freshman at the University of Lisbon (Portugal) between 1989 and 1992. Suggests that high school records (grade point average and number of courses completed) are a better predictor of academic success than entrance examinations. Discusses technical aspects of the study and social implications of its results. (MJP)