Over half of those studying an arts-related degree at Cambridge University are from “upper-middle-class origins”, with only four percent hailing from working-class backgrounds, according to a report by the Sutton Trust.

The report states that Cambridge, tied with the University of Bath, has the lowest proportion of working class backgrounds compared to other UK universities, with the University of Oxford coming second at five percent. The University of Bristol and Manchester follow closely with five and seven percent respectively.

Cambridge also has the highest percentage of private school student intake for their creative courses, at 40%.

The report also highlights elite figures in creative industries, citing a strong connection to Oxbridge.

High-profile figures in arts industries such as television, film and music are more likely to have attended private school than the rest of the population – 31% compared to seven percent. 86% of classical musicians have attended university, from this 12% had attended either Cambridge or Oxford.

Over half of Cambridge’s music students are from upper-middle-class origins, the report states.

The report also highlights the benefits of university for potential actors, stating that 64% of BAFTA nominated actors in TV and film attended university – nine percent attended Oxbridge.

Speaking specifically on Cambridge, the report notes the prestigious Footlights comedy society which has numerous notable alumni ranging from multiple BAFTA nominee Dame Emma Thompson to Hugh Laurie and Richard Ayoade.

Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust, said: “It’s a tragedy that young people from working class backgrounds are the least likely to study creative arts degrees, or break into the creative professions.”

He added: “These sectors bear the hallmarks of being elitist – those from upper-middle-class backgrounds, and the privately-educated are significantly over-represented.”

A spokesperson for the University of Cambridge said: “The collegiate University has taken steps to widen access to our Arts and Humanities courses through the introduction of the Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.”

“This is a relatively new initiative, and as the participating cohorts are yet to graduate it would not have featured in the Sutton Trust’s research on proactive steps that are being taken to address under-representation in the arts and creative industries,” they continued.