It can often feel like Cambridge and Oxford are hallowed, impenetrable institutions that are reserved for and only accessible to a certain class. This is the result of a wide array of intersecting structural inequalities, which prevent certain groups from accessing these universities. One group to whom this applies is Scottish students and particularly state school Scottish students. Many potential applicants are discouraged by funding barriers, distance and a lack of Oxbridge-specific expertise at their school. Considering that Scottish universities are free for all Scottish pupils regardless of income, whereas fees in England have increased in recent years, the funding barrier becomes very understandable.
Only 1.8% of UK undergraduate students admitted to the University of Cambridge in 2019 were from Scotland.
Cambridge Admissions Statistics 2019 Cycle
In 2019, Cambridge reported that only 1.8% of admitted UK undergraduate students were from Scotland. In comparison, a colossal 48.0% were from Greater London or the South East. This does not reflect the population distribution of the UK. In the UK, 8.2% of the population reside in Scotland and only 27.2% live in London or the South East, according to ONS data.
In addition, a recent Varsity investigation into the ‘70% state-educated’ admission statistic has shown that it is highly misleading. Students that receive private school education, but transfer to a state school in sixth form, are counted as state-educated pupils. The state sector is also heterogeneous – the quality of education in the typical grammar school is different from that in a typical state comprehensive.
Last summer, a recent Oxford graduate created The Clydeside Project. Established in partnership with Access Oxbridge, this project pairs current Oxbridge students with prospective undergraduates from Scottish state schools. The students provide one-to-one mentoring, as well as guidance on funding, the admissions process and what they can expect student life to be like.
There are hundreds of Scottish students with every bit as much potential as their English counterparts.
Michael McGrade, Founder of The Clydeside Project
Founder Michael McGrade writes: “Sadly there are hundreds of Scottish students with every bit as much potential as their English counterparts – as deserving of a place in that ivory tower – but no one to reliably guide them through the process.”
Cambridge University has a lot to offer its Scottish students. The Cambridge Society of Edinburgh has a strong alumni network and ScotSoc have hosted exciting events, such as a Burns Supper. This year, the Burns Supper took place at Churchill and was complete with a ceilidh! Such support can be reassuring in times when it feels like Cambridge is overwhelmingly London-centric.
Schemes, such as The Clydeside Project, are important to ensure that Oxbridge continues to become more accessible to students across the UK. Any current Oxbridge student can sign up to be a mentor with The Clydeside Project and be part of this valuable and fast-growing scheme.
A link to The Clydeside Project can be found here: https://www.clydesideproject.org/