A points-based tariff used to award places on degree courses is likely to be axed following claims the existing system is outdated.

Rising numbers of students with poor A-levels have been awarded places at top universities amid a surge in the undergraduate population, according to the official admissions service.

Conditional offers can also be made for a certain number of UCAS Tariff points, including BTECs, as well as International Baccalaureate Diploma and Scottish Higher grades.