Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LONDON (AP) — The University of Oxford is launching two new programs aimed at helping disadvantaged students gain a coveted place at the institution.
Oxford's vice chancellor, Louise Richardson, says the programs outlined Tuesday represent "a sea change" in admissions and that there is now a commitment "to accelerate the pace at which we are diversifying our student body."
The university says the programs will offer places for up to 250 students a year, representing 10 percent of Oxford's U.K. undergraduate intake. It aims to boost the proportion of students coming to Oxford from under-represented backgrounds from 15% to 25%.
Chris Millward of the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education, says "radical change" is necessary to shrink the access gap, but that the proposals are a step in the right direction.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
