I suspect there has suddenly become a funding issue

Gwen Randall Head teacher

Last year nine Framlingham College students applied to Oxbridge, and three of the four places offered went to non-EC pupils.

But the five students rejected had achieved better grades than those offered places, either straight A grades or As and Bs.

Mrs Randall said: "All nine of these candidates who applied were very strong entries, but as it turned out, those who were offered places, in my opinion were not as able and their end results showed exactly that.

"One of the rejected pupils got four straight As and scored 100% in a number of his modules, making him one of the best students in the country.

"He has actually gone to Imperial College in London and is very happy about it."

She said some colleges, such as Pembroke College, Cambridge, explain why an application is rejected, while others "leave you wondering".

"Five years ago there was a level playing field but now I think that the arena has become shabbily politicised," she said.

"I don't think there is a level playing field any more and I suspect there has suddenly become a funding issue.

"If colleges are pursuing this type of policy because it earns them more revenue then that is scurrilous. Places should be given on merit.

"Any other teacher who has experienced such discrimination, be it by postcode or school, should speak out now and ultimately this should go to a court of human rights."

Both Oxford and Cambridge colleges were unavailable for comment.