The sheer dominance by the top two social classes of Oxford and Cambridge University admissions has been revealed in newly released data.
Four-fifths of students accepted at Oxbridge between 2010 and 2015 had parents with top professional and managerial jobs, and the numbers have been edging upwards.
The data, obtained by David Lammy MP, also shows a “shocking” regional bias, with more offers made to Home Counties pupils than the whole of northern England.
Mr Lammy said he was “appalled to discover” Oxbridge is actually moving backwards in terms of elitism.
Unveiling the data, covering offers to students in England and Wales in the years 2010 to 2015, he described the universities as the “last bastion of the old school tie” and highlighted stark regional divisions.
Related: “They’re all rich, white kids and they’ll do just fine” — NOT!