TONY James, headteacher of Elgar Technology College, in Bilford Road, said education had been linked to money for some time but was not the only reason for the trend.

The school's catchment area includes Fernhill Heath, Northwick, Barbourne, Rainbow Hill, Blackpole, Brickfields, Tolladine, and parts of Warndon.

"Higher education was strongly linked to economic background in the past, and I can't help but feel that the cost does go some way to putting people off," he said.

"If you come from a lower income family it can be very daunting and with all the media attention on the extent of the debt you face it's hard to ignore it.

"But it is also an aspirational thing.

"There is certainly an issue where people follow in the career paths of what they are used to and feel comfortable with, so if their parents did not go to university, they do not.

"Schools must do their best to promote the idea and we took a group of our strongest and most able students to an open day at Oxford University."

Nunnery Wood High School's catchment area includes large areas of Ronkswood and most of St Peter's.

"I suspect that it's about the level of aspiration of different pupils," said Alun Williams, headteacher of the Spetchley Road school.

"When I went to university 20 or so years ago I suspect that the vast majority were middle class people from these areas.

"Pupils from these areas have a family history of going on to higher education, while in others there's no expectation that children will go to university.

"It's the job of schools to raise these aspirations because there are pupils who have the ability and aptitude but it wouldn't even occur to them to go."

Sean Devlin, principal of Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School, said, as a Catholic school, he had pupils from Pershore, Droitwich and Malvern, as well as across Worcester.

"Depending on where you live your life chances can be difficult," he said.

"However, schools should be vehicles for equalising these difficulties and raising pupils' aspirations.

"We have had pupils here from across the county who have gone on to the Sixth Form College and then Oxbridge and its down to schools to assist pupils and families.

"Having said that, the current fee system for universities is definitely not helping and there has to be some reform. Top-up fees is certainly a start.

Twins determined to buck the social trend

AMBITIOUS twins Jennifer and Lydia Munslow live near Rainbow Hill, but buck the social trend.

The 14-year-olds, who are pupils at Christopher Whitehead High School, are determined to go to university to achieve their dream jobs.

Lydia, who wants to be a doctor, said: "I think some people do want to go but don't want to get into debt.

"I want to prove that people from areas like this can go to university."

Jennifer, who is determined to become a primary school teacher, agreed with her sister.

"I also think some people can't be bothered to go and see it through," she said.

"We want to do it and we'll really try."

Dad, Stephen, said he was pleased University College Worcester was set to be awarded university status because it would enable his girls to study and live at home.

"There are a lot of people around here who would love their children to go to university, but it comes down to cost," said the 46-year-old of Rose Avenue, Tolladine.