A UNIVERSITY has rejected fears that a scheme encouraging people from deprived areas to apply for degree courses lowers entry standards.

Newcastle University launched the scheme, which targets areas where there is little or no history of people attending higher education, with the aim of widening the spectrum of people attending.

Selected students are given an extra chance to meet the target number of points needed to gain entry on to their chosen degree by attending two summer schools.

By carrying out summer school work at the end of their lower and upper sixth form years, the students from "lower participation neighbourhoods" can gain up to eight extra points.

So, even if they achieve lower A-level results than counterparts from different areas, they can still get on the same course.

But the university says the programme actually adds to the work needed to get a place.

Dr Madeleine Atkins, pro vice chancellor, said: "We strongly resist any suggestion that this is dumbing down or lowering standards.

"They are doing a considerable amount of extra work on the summer school."

About 70 teenagers are expected to start at the university in the autumn, if they successfully complete the summer school.

So far, 37 schools from across Tyneside and Northumberland are involved in the scheme. And the university is expecting to expand the pilot scheme if successful.

The schools publicise the programme and students write to the university asking to take part.

As well as the summer schools, they must take part in other activities throughout the two years, including shadowing students to get a taste of university life.

A spokesman for the Department of Education, which funded the summer schools, said wide participation should be encouraged.

But, he added: "This should not lead to lower entry standards."