<p>That suggestion makes a lot of sense to me (#686), sally305. That’s essentially how Oxford and Cambridge do it. They do take a student’s opportunities into consideration when assessing that student’s current level of achievement, so that there is a boost for students from comprehensive schools whose academic background might be weaker, but whose talent is evidenced. The applicants have serious, academically focused interviews with some of the faculty members who will be teaching them, and in many cases, they have special examinations (aside from A levels). They seem to be able to be reasonably discerning about young people. The Cambridge entrance exams for prospective history students are quite interesting–I think you can find an example on the web.</p>