Prospective students could face another hurdle

Oxford, along with other universities, already uses aptitude tests for other subjects, including law and medicine.

A spokeswoman said Oxford needed a way to distinguish between candidates given that nearly all applicants were predicted top grades at A-level.

But critics say the tests discriminate against pupils from state schools.

The English faculty at Oxford has nearly 300 places each year and is one of the university's most heavily subscribed subjects.

Selection

A university spokeswoman said the test was still under consideration. If it is introduced it would be for applicants wanting to start a course of study in 2008.

The test would be sat at the pupils' school or college, with the successful candidates then invited for interview.

It would replace one of two pieces of written work currently required for the selection procedure.

Oxford stopped its official entrance exams in 1995. But it is now reintroducing admissions papers in a growing number of subjects.

It will discriminate against pupils from state schools because they can't afford to put on extra classes in the way independent schools can John Dunford Association of School and College Leaders

Aptitude tests are set for subjects including medicine, history and law. Tests are also being considered for physics degrees.

The university says they are intended to test high-level skills.

A spokeswoman said: "Pretty much everybody who applies is predicted the top grade at A-level so we have to find other ways of selecting."

There are plans to reform A-levels to stretch brighter pupils.

'Discriminate'

The spokeswoman said: "We would definitely welcome something in the system which would help us distinguish the brighter pupils before interview."

However, head teachers' leaders warn the tests discriminate against state school pupils.

General secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, John Dunford, said: "I'm very concerned about the growing use of university admissions tests in different subjects.

"It will discriminate against pupils from state schools because they can't afford to put on extra classes in the way independent schools can."