YOUNGSTERS in the wealthiest parts of Worcester are seven times more likely to go to university than those living in its poorest wards, new figures have revealed.

City MP Mike Foster said the statistics revealed a "tale of two cities".

The starkest contrast is between children growing up in Battenhall and Rainbow Hill - but huge variations exist across Worcester.

In Battenhall, there are 15 students studying away from home for every 1,000 residents - a total of 79 youngsters.

But, less than two miles away in Rainbow Hill, there are just over two per 1,000 people - a total of 13.

In Warndon, there are 14 students, meaning three per 1,000 residents.

In Gorse Hill, there are 22 students, making up four per 1,000.

Teenager Chris Jones, from Warndon, who, like many of his peers is not planning to go to university, thinks the statistics accurately reflect the situation.

He said different standards were to blame.

"If you're at a private school, like King's or RGS, you get loads of help," said the 15-year-old.

"Because you're paying for it they concentrate on you and help you more.

"These schools are not as overcrowded as state schools. I think I'll go straight into work after my GCSEs."

Labour MP Mr Foster, a Ministerial aid in the Department for Education, said: "These figures show why reform is needed.

"A divided city education system needs to be addressed."

Mr Foster claimed steps taken by the Government would help to address the problem. These include reinstating a maintenance grant of up to £3,000 for the poorest youngsters.

Ministers are also using cash from the introduction of controversial student "top-up" fees - which are not paid by children from the poorest households - to expand the number of places in the system.

In addition, less well-off youngsters will be entitled to £30 per week if they stay in education after the age of 16.

Mr Foster added: "Expanding the number of places available and raising standards of achievement in our schools and colleges, will give youngsters in Rainbow Hill, Warndon and Gorse Hill the opportunity, maybe for the first time in their family history, to go to university.

"Locally we can help, by fully supporting the expansion plans for our local university."

University College Worcester has unveiled plans for a second site based at the old Castle Street hospital, increasing student places from 5,000 up to 11,000.