THE HEADMASTER of a leading Oxfordshire public school has backed plans by Oxford University to sift the best students from the thousands with top grades.

Bright teenagers will have to sit a number of new entrance tests to get into Oxford University under new measures.

The university is introducing aptitude tests in some of the most popular subjects, because so many sixth-formers now get straight As at A-Level. Ultimately, the tests will mean fewer candidates are questioned by dons in traditional face-to-face interviews, Oxford University said.

Mark Turner, head of Abingdon School, said the increased use of aptitude tests was inevitable and he welcomed any measures that would ensure the most gifted students were awarded places.

Mr Turner said: "I would like A-Levels to be sufficiently rigorous that differentiation was possible through the A-Level structure.

"If that is not the case, then I applaud attempts by Oxford to identify the brightest students."

Mr Turner said he did not think the increased number of tests would put undue pressure on students, as those in the top bracket enjoyed and excelled in exams.

Mike Nicholson, Oxford University's admissions director, said almost every candidate offered a place at Oxford would get three As at A-Level this year. In 1986, only about 40 per cent of candidates achieved straight As. The ability to achieve three grade As is no longer the end point in the admissions process," he said. "The potential to achieve three grade As will allow them to enter the race for a place."

Mr Nicholson said the university was introducing aptitude tests for maths, computer sciences, English and probably PPE (philosophy, politics and economics). Candidates already sit entrance tests in history, law and medicine.

John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, condemned Oxford's decision.

He said: "I'm aghast at the prospect of so many tests which will disadvantage applicants from schools that have not traditionally sent candidates to Oxford."