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Private pupils grab top courses Private pupils grab top courses
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Independent school pupils have increased their hold on places at the UK's 20 most prestigious universities.Independent school pupils have increased their hold on places at the UK's 20 most prestigious universities.
The acceptance rate for private pupils applying to Russell Group universities - which include Oxford and Cambridge - rose from 62.5% to 65.6% last year. The acceptance rate for private pupils applying this year to Russell Group universities - which include Oxford and Cambridge - rose from 62.5% to 65.6%.
That figure, revealed by the Independent Schools Council, is five times the average success rate for applications to the elite institutions. The figure, published by the Independent Schools Council, is five times the average acceptance rate for these universities.
The private school acceptance rates were highest in science subjects.The private school acceptance rates were highest in science subjects.
The survey also found that the leading universities preferred pupils with three very good A-levels, rather than simply a high combined points scores based on four exams. The survey also found that the leading universities preferred pupils with three very good A-levels, rather than simply a high combined points scores based on four or more exams.
The findings, from the Independent Schools Council's annual universities survey, show that independent schools are continuing to be successful in their pupils being offered places in the most sought-after universities.The findings, from the Independent Schools Council's annual universities survey, show that independent schools are continuing to be successful in their pupils being offered places in the most sought-after universities.
'Quality not quantity''Quality not quantity'
These figures show that almost two-thirds of applicants from independent schools in 2007 were offered a place at one of the 20 leading, research-intensive Russell Group universities.These figures show that almost two-thirds of applicants from independent schools in 2007 were offered a place at one of the 20 leading, research-intensive Russell Group universities.
Among subjects such as physics, biology and maths, the acceptance rate for private school pupils was more than 80%.Among subjects such as physics, biology and maths, the acceptance rate for private school pupils was more than 80%.
For comparison, on average only 13% of all applications to the Russell Group were successful last year.For comparison, on average only 13% of all applications to the Russell Group were successful last year.
An analysis of applications also shows that these leading universities prefer high-quality A-levels - such as three grade As - rather than a higher point score from four lower grades.An analysis of applications also shows that these leading universities prefer high-quality A-levels - such as three grade As - rather than a higher point score from four lower grades.
"Our research shows that A-level point scores can be misleading as a measure of achievement - it is quality, not quantity, that counts," says the council's chief executive, Jonathan Shephard."Our research shows that A-level point scores can be misleading as a measure of achievement - it is quality, not quantity, that counts," says the council's chief executive, Jonathan Shephard.
In terms of applications, this high grades rather than high points preference is significant because independent schools are particularly strong in getting pupils to achieve three top-grade A-levels.In terms of applications, this high grades rather than high points preference is significant because independent schools are particularly strong in getting pupils to achieve three top-grade A-levels.
Provisional figures for this summer's A-level exam results show that 7% of pupils in comprehensive schools achieved three A grades, but in independent schools 30% of pupils achieved this benchmark.Provisional figures for this summer's A-level exam results show that 7% of pupils in comprehensive schools achieved three A grades, but in independent schools 30% of pupils achieved this benchmark.
A report published in the autumn by the Sutton Trust highlighted how independent schools continued to be over-represented in the top universities.A report published in the autumn by the Sutton Trust highlighted how independent schools continued to be over-represented in the top universities.
Only 54% of students at Oxford University and 57% of students at Cambridge are drawn from state schools.Only 54% of students at Oxford University and 57% of students at Cambridge are drawn from state schools.
There are about 510,000 pupils in independent schools represented by the Independent Schools Council.There are about 510,000 pupils in independent schools represented by the Independent Schools Council.
Independent schools have about 7% of the school population - but this rises to 23% of pupils in sixth forms.Independent schools have about 7% of the school population - but this rises to 23% of pupils in sixth forms.