Cambridge raises bar for scientists

The prestigious institution has upped its standard entry offer so that from 2015, anyone aiming to take a science-based degree will need at least two A*s and an A at A-level or equivalent.

The current offer is one A* and two A grades and this will remain for arts subjects, the university said.

Cambridge insisted that the change is not raising the bar for would-be students, with more than nine in 10 (92 per cent) successful science applicants already achieving A*A*A or better at A-level. The majority of these students were educated in state schools.

In a statement, the institution said: “The university believes that the revised offer gives applicants a clearer indication of the level of attainment realistically required to compete for a place, and to thrive on science courses.”

It added: “The university will continue to make non-standard offers where appropriate, based on consideration of relevant contextual data including any extenuating circumstances which may have adversely affected an applicant’s academic attainment.”