Cambridge appeals to 'poor' students

Cambridge University is keen to widen access

Cambridge University says students from low-income backgrounds should consider applying to the university because it can offer financial support.

The university's newly appointed admissions chief, Janet Graham, said the image of elitism was a perception rather than a fact.

We are able to offer quite a lot of financial support

Janet Graham

"In terms of costs to students coming to study, Cambridge is a good choice," Ms Graham said.

"If you are from a disadvantaged financial background, you will not have to pay tuition fees. We are able to offer quite a lot of financial support."

Ms Graham said the university's main aim was to offer places to the brightest students.

"We are an institute of academic excellence. We are looking for the best wherever we find them," she said.

State schools

Ms Graham admitted that only 53% of students at Cambridge came from a state school background.

But she said various access schemes aimed to break down such barriers.

The university runs summer schools for sixth formers from state schools which do not have a tradition of sending pupils to Oxford or Cambridge in an attempt to get them to apply.

And it has a range of bursaries set up to help students who come from low-income families, as well as government-funded hardship funds.

Ms Graham also spoke of her sadness at hearing from one Cambridge graduate that her state school had discouraged her from applying.