Government plans to force Oxbridge to accept more working-class pupils have been attacked by CUSU and the heads of leading state and private schools.

Earlier this month, Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary Peter Mandelson proposed reforms to the way in which ‘elite universities’ such as Cambridge select candidates.

But Andrew Grant, chairman of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference of 250 elite private schools, called the proposal “sinister”.

He said: “There is a danger that, if Lord Mandelson exerts political and financial pressure to bring about these changes, he will subvert the excellence of our universities. We are all in favour of discovering talent, but the talent has to be there.”

The new Framework for Higher Education rests on the policy that A-level results alone should not determine entry to university. Lord Mandelson has ordered “remedial action” to widen access to Cambridge, whereby admissions tutors must make greater use of “contextual data” to ensure that pupils from underperforming schools are not excluded.

This “contextual data” includes information concerning the student’s social background, parental education and overall potential.

Lord Mandelson also encouraged admissions tutors to lower the entry requirements for working-class pupils by a minimum of two A-level grades, arguing that “simple assessment based on A-level results might exclude them”.

However, CUSU said it did not support the plans.  Joe Farish, CUSU’s Access Officer, said: “The admissions process is fair and transparent and looks at potential as well as ability. I don’t think that this proposal is the way forward.”

The University gave a more measured response. A spokesman told Varsity: “Cambridge already has processes in place to take into account the type of contextual data which would inform about impediments to a student’s exam results  – such as an underperforming school – through the Cambridge Special Application Scheme.

“Cambridge makes strenuous efforts to attract the most promising students, whatever their background, and we are constantly exploring new and better ways in which to do this.”

Martin Stephen, High Master of the independent St Paul’s School, pointed out that the plans risked “punishing children who have done well”.  He added, “This is potentially one of the most dangerous pronouncements I have heard – ever.”