A growing number of students at top private schools are turning their backs on British universities in favour of the US where they believe they will enjoy better facilities and will not be discriminated against because of their privileged background.

Some of the most famous schools in the country, including Millfield, Malvern College and St Paul's, have all confirmed a trend that headteachers say is also being driven by the appeal of a broader curriculum and the rising cost of British higher education.