Patrick Roach, deputy general secretary of NASUWT, called Willetts' comments "wholly unfair" and accused the minister of blaming schools for the consequences of university admissions officers’ decisions.
Roach said: "Mr Willetts would do better if he spent more of his time ensuring that there are fair and transparent admissions practices in all universities.
"It is untrue for the minister to suggest that pupils from state schools are not fully supported to successfully apply to university. The number of state school students entering the university system is at record levels, and the vast majority of universities are very grateful for this."
The union has blamed the government for cutting back on promised investment for universities, resulting in fewer places for students. He also raised concerns about cutbacks in information, advice and guidance services.
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