Conservative MP, Elizabeth Truss, has today claimed that comprehensive students in the UK are missing out on places at elite universities and higher education institutions due to being ‘mis-sold’ less rigorous A-level subjects than their independent school counterparts.

Ms Truss obtained her data through a parliamentary question and has discovered that half the proportion of A-Level students at comprehensives are taking less rigorous academic A-Levels compared to those at independent schools.

As part of her research Ms Truss has examined the the Russell Group's list of "facilitating" A-levels. The Russell Group represents the UK's most prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and the list advises students on the subjects most likely to help them win a place on a degree courses at these institutions. These subjects as defined as by the Group are Mathematics, English Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography and Languages.

Ms Truss also collected data about “non-preferred” subjects on the London School of Economics' list - Accounting, Art & Design, Business Studies, Communication Studies, Design & Technology, Drama/Theatre Studies, Home Economics, Information & Communication Technology, Law, Media Studies, Music Technology, Sports Studies and Travel & Tourism.

Sciences, Maths and Languages at A-level are increasingly the preserve of private and selective schools, Ms Truss claims. Twice the proportion of students at private schools takes Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry A-level as those at comprehensive schools.  Three times the proportion take foreign languages. Of the Russell Group preferred subjects only History and English are on a par at all schools. The evidence suggests that instead comprehensive students are disproportionately taking “non-preferred” A-levels.

Mr Truss spoke about her findings, “The reality is that many students are being mis-sold low quality subjects that are not accepted at top universities to boost school and local authorities’ results.“

“The trend is clear. From 1996 there has been a fall in the proportion of rigorous A-levels studied from nearly 60% to 50%. This is the opposite direction to many of our international competitors, who are increasing the academic content of their courses. Many students are cutting off potential options for study and work.”

“Only 4% of comprehensive school students apply to Oxbridge, compared to 18% of independent school students. Subject choice difference explains half the gap in applications between private and comprehensive schools. Many students have not studied the subjects that would make them eligible to apply in the first place.”

A spokesman for Ofqual commented, "Ofqual has previously called on all those who use qualifications to be more transparent about what is needed to access employment and further study opportunities. We therefore welcomed the Russell Group's publication of its guidance regarding post-16 subject choices earlier this year.”

"Ofqual makes sure that A-levels in all subjects are challenging and rigorous qualifications that assess the relevant knowledge required for that specific subject."