ISC response to latest Sutton Trust research

19 September 2007

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) fully supports the efforts of organisations such as the Sutton Trust to widen access to the top universities. However, the assumptions in their latest research go too far.

They note that independent schools that have similar average A-level scores to state schools get more of their students into the top universities. However, at the top end of the university market, A-levels are only part of the admissions process because almost every candidate has been predicted top grades. A wide variety of factors are used including extra tests (for example BMAT, LNAT, UKCAT), interviews, personal statements, teacher reports and contextual data. Without taking these factors into account it is impossible to reach a valid conclusion on this issue.

We would note that research from the AQA exam board suggests that A grades from the top independent schools are clustered right at the top of the A grade band, and also that early results from extra university admissions tests, such as the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT), suggest that independent students also achieve higher marks than their state contemporaries.

None of this means, however, that we should not continue to find ways to widen access. It is probably unfair, though, to ascribe fault to the admissions process at top universities. We believe the problems in widening access from the maintained sector require a solution much earlier in a child's education.

Press enquiries: Alexandra Caish, Head of Press, ISC
Telephone: (office) 020 7766 7060 (mobile) 0788 5620713
Email: alex.caish@isc.co.uk