Sir Michael Barber, chair of the Office for Students, has announced plans to restructure the university admissions process.
Among changes suggested are an end to the submission of personal statements, and a change in the timeline which would see students apply after receiving their A-level grades.
Barber said that "There is widespread recognition that certain aspects of the current admissions system are not working and may be especially unfair on students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
"A review of admissions is also being carried out by Universities UK, and UCAS are exploring reforms to the admissions process.
"We will look to work closely with them – and everyone with an interest in the system – as we look forensically at changes that can shape our admissions system in a way which is matched to the needs, achievements and potential of students from all backgrounds."
At present, students are expected to submit a 4,000-character statement when applying to university.
According to the Sutton Trust, an educational charity, applicants from less privileged backgrounds do not receive as much support in writing personal statements, nor do they have as many examples of relevant work experience as their more advantaged peers.
The OfS review of higher education admissions begins today, and is open until 21 May, during which time they are requesting the views of experts which they hope will "generate debate and discussion about ways in which the admissions system could be made fairer, and help ensure that students from all backgrounds are able to get the most from their studies".
General secretary for the University and College Union, Jo Grady, said that the “review is the opportunity for us to finally move to a system where university offers are based on actual achievement rather than unreliable estimates of potential."
The universities minister, Michelle Donelan, believes that: “the OfS’s Admissions Review will be instrumental in helping assess how the system can be improved.”
