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 John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, today announced that initially nine of the most selective universities have agreed to extend opportunities for the best performing students from the most challenging backgrounds to show what they can achieve, building on existing work in the sector.

The universities are working together to find ways to ensure they do not miss out on the most talented students, whatever backgrounds they come from.

Universities are responsible for their own admissions policies and procedures, so will assess students in a variety of ways. This could include considering a student's performance on taster sessions, time spent with tutors, interviews or set work.

This initiative will build on the work universities already do in reaching out to pupils in schools and colleges in their communities, raising aspirations and offering support in applying to university.

In addition, some of the universities are working together to recognise each other's widening participation schemes. So, if a student has successfully taken part in an access course at one university, he or she would be able to apply to another university participating in the scheme.

Mr Denham said;

"I have always been clear that we must allow the most talented and hard working of our young people to achieve their full potential, irrespective of what kind of social background they came from, or the school they went to.

"This does not mean imposing admissions policies on universities. But it does mean universities recognising their full responsibilities in helping to seek out and develop the best of talents, wherever they are in our society.

"I am delighted that some of our most selective institutions are working together to make progress in widening participation."