Higher education institutions should focus on developing talent from a young age in order to encourage more children from disadvantaged backgrounds into university, an education expert has claimed.
Admissions tutors should also take into account a student's background when reviewing applications, as an A* in physics from an underperforming school is "worth more" than an A* in physics from a top private school, he said.
According to Tony Sewell, former teacher and CEO of education charity Generating Genius, universities have "dodged" the issue, only offering "token widening participation activities" which have failed to address the problem.
However, he admitted that more help was needed in the sector to make sure the most disadvantaged groups were being reached.