Two Oxbridge colleges have sought to increase disadvantaged pupils’ chances of gaining places at elite universities by partnering with schools that draw from poor communities.

Jesus College, Cambridge and Keble College, Oxford have formally partnered with Ormiston Academies Trust to assist them in the application process and to organise school visits.

State schools in certain parts of the UK already have connections with Oxbridge colleges, but this is the first time a direct link with a group of academy schools has been made.

The link will permit students interested in specific subjects to arrange visits to Oxford and Cambridge, although they are still free to apply to any college. Varsity previously reported upon the “unprecedented” criticism against Oxbridge for failing to increase the number of state school pupils.

The report said that “some parts of Oxbridge are falling far behind” with regards to access.

The group of schools has seen applications to Russell Group universities increase markedly. Those made to Cambridge, Oxford and medical schools increased threefold in a year since a programme encouraging pupils to target elite universities began.

Simon Pedley, an Oxford graduate and a former Teach First teacher, has been appointed by the trust to advise pupils on their subject choices at secondary level and to encourage teachers to work with bright children to encourage them to read more widely or take part in debating.

The trust has taken other measures to improve students’ chances, such as holding an Oxbridge conference, with mock interviews and advice on personal statements.

Ed Penn, schools liaison officer at the University of Cambridge, told The Times that “the benefit of liaising directly with a central OAT representative is that we can ensure as many schools as possible are able to access our outreach events.

“We’re keen to demystify Cambridge as a university and dispel myths about our admissions process.”

“Any student with the requisite grades and the necessary enthusiasm is encouraged to consider an application, and we run a variety of outreach events throughout the year to ensure that any such applicant is not discouraged for the wrong reasons.”