The august colleges, hushed quadrangles, manicured lawns and cobbled laneways give way to "The Backs, " astretch of picturesque gardens bordering the meandering River Cam.
Universities have complained that the current A-level system does not stretch pupils sufficiently or give them the intellectual independence and curiosity needed for degree-level study.
He stressed the idea of having a "grammar stream" in every school to stretch the brightest pupils and give extra support to those at risk of falling behind.