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St Andrews University, diversity and moving targets St Andrews University, diversity and moving targets
(6 days later)
You report that Louise Richardson (Oxford appoints its first female vice chancellor, 29 May) has vowed to increase the diversity of the intake, something she has prioritised in her current job at St Andrews University. You fail to mention that over 40% of the undergraduate intake at St Andrews is – as at Oxford – from independent schools. (In Scotland, 4.4% of pupils are privately educated, compared to 7% in England.)You report that Louise Richardson (Oxford appoints its first female vice chancellor, 29 May) has vowed to increase the diversity of the intake, something she has prioritised in her current job at St Andrews University. You fail to mention that over 40% of the undergraduate intake at St Andrews is – as at Oxford – from independent schools. (In Scotland, 4.4% of pupils are privately educated, compared to 7% in England.)
Professor Richardson’s claim that the numbers of “poor kids” accepted by St Andrews has “dramatically increased” has to be seen in that context. A recent Scottish office report indicates that while there has been an increase in students from poorer backgrounds at St Andrews, the numbers remain very low. In 2012, halfway through her term of office, the revelation that only 13 students from the poorest 20% of Scottish communities were admitted to the university caused outrage in the Scottish press. The university then set a target of a 45% rise – six more “poor kids” a year!Kate CalderEdinburghProfessor Richardson’s claim that the numbers of “poor kids” accepted by St Andrews has “dramatically increased” has to be seen in that context. A recent Scottish office report indicates that while there has been an increase in students from poorer backgrounds at St Andrews, the numbers remain very low. In 2012, halfway through her term of office, the revelation that only 13 students from the poorest 20% of Scottish communities were admitted to the university caused outrage in the Scottish press. The university then set a target of a 45% rise – six more “poor kids” a year!Kate CalderEdinburgh
Related: There is no ‘game’ played on admissions at St Andrews University | Letter
• Professor Glynn Turton (Letters, 2 June) refers to Professor Louise Richardson’s declared aim to make Oxford more inclusive. Just like she did at St Andrews presumably? A friend’s daughter came to a St Andrews open day. The fed-up admissions officer, who was quitting the job, asked them to put up their hands if they were Scottish: around 75% did so, and were told that they had probably better think again. The way the game is played, apparently, is that 25% of students come from America, 25% from England and 25% from the rest of the world, excluding Europe, because this is where the money comes from. Only 25% come from Scotland and the EU jointly, because the university has to fund their tuition. Basically, rich Chinese have replaced poor Scots. Much more inclusive in terms of race, far less in terms of parental income. My friend’s daughter, who has Asperger syndrome, ended up going to Stirling, where the student support for diverse people like her seems to be unparalleled.Margaret SquiresSt Andrews, Fife• Professor Glynn Turton (Letters, 2 June) refers to Professor Louise Richardson’s declared aim to make Oxford more inclusive. Just like she did at St Andrews presumably? A friend’s daughter came to a St Andrews open day. The fed-up admissions officer, who was quitting the job, asked them to put up their hands if they were Scottish: around 75% did so, and were told that they had probably better think again. The way the game is played, apparently, is that 25% of students come from America, 25% from England and 25% from the rest of the world, excluding Europe, because this is where the money comes from. Only 25% come from Scotland and the EU jointly, because the university has to fund their tuition. Basically, rich Chinese have replaced poor Scots. Much more inclusive in terms of race, far less in terms of parental income. My friend’s daughter, who has Asperger syndrome, ended up going to Stirling, where the student support for diverse people like her seems to be unparalleled.Margaret SquiresSt Andrews, Fife