A FORMER York state school pupil now studying History at Oxford has launched a scathing criticism of the Government's attack on the university's "elitist" admissions systems.

Tom Moran, aged 19, who went to Fulford School, points out that state pupils from other York schools and colleges are also benefiting from an Oxford education, and fears others like them may be put off from trying to follow their example by ministers' comments.

He singles out Gordon Brown, who has renewed his criticism of "Oxbridge" for not taking enough state pupils, saying the Chancellor "doesn't know what he is talking about".

The elitism row was sparked by the decision of Oxford's Magdalen College not to admit Newcastle comprehensive school pupil Laura Spence onto a medical course, despite her having ten A-grade GCSEs.

But Mr Moran said: "It is true that only 53 per cent of people at Oxford come from state schools, but this is improving all the time, and it would be disastrous if bright sixth formers from state schools were dissuaded from applying by the recent publicity.

"I went to Fulford School, didn't get ten A stars at GCSE or five As at A-Level, but am now happily in the middle of my first year at New College, Oxford.

"There are people here from All Saints, Huntington and the Sixth Form College, all having a great time and benefiting from the wonderful facilities that Oxford provides."

Mr Moran wanted people to know that Oxford did want more state school candidates but "the hardest thing is getting us to apply".

He added: "To this end, we have an organisation called Target Schools which visits sixth forms telling them about the real Oxford.

"If anyone would like more information, please contact Target Schools at Oxford University Student Union, and for God's sake don't listen to Gordon Brown he doesn't know what he's talking about."

The student union is at 28 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford.

*Mr Brown has reportedly said ensuring opportunities for all is a matter of "economic necessity", and has promised reforms which will make it easier for people from less privileged backgrounds to go into business.

Email andrew.hitchon@ycp.co.uk