HC Deb 21 January 1986 vol 90 cc152-3W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many advanced level secondary school pupils applied for a place at Oxford and Cambridge universities in each year since 1974; and how many were finally accepted.

Mr. Walden

The number of United Kingdom candidates applying and obtaining a place at Oxford and Cambridge universities in each year since 1980 was as follows. The numbers include a small number of students from further education colleges as well as school pupils. The numbers of acceptances include a few condition acceptances at Oxford, a small percentage of whom fail to meet the required conditions.

Figures prior to 1980 are not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Applicants Acceptances
1980 13,580 5,552
1981 13,563 5,464
1982 14,244 5,357
1983 14,359 5,334
1984 14,026 5,484
1985 15,248 5,901