The University of Cambridge is considering restoring universal entrance exams for the first time in a generation.

The planned move comes as a result of the difficulty that academics face in choosing between candidates that all have impressive academic credentials.

Applicants would take the test during the first term of Year 13 in order to provide extra evidence to inform admissions tutors’ decisions on who to invite to interview.

Last year, five students applied per place, with most having top A-level grades predicted.

This change comes in the wake of government education reforms that will result in the removal of AS Levels, which are currently seen as the primary determinant of winning a place at Cambridge, alongside the infamous admissions interview.

Cambridge previously wrote to schools urging them to continue putting students forward for AS Levels, as they are considered a "robust indicator of student progress" by the university.

The planned entrance test, if implemented, is likely to contain a language aptitude test, a thinking skills assessment and a 45-minute essay.

Proposals for a new exam have drawn criticism on the basis that it would disadvantage pupils from state schools as they would be less likely to receive coaching than those at private schools. The Sunday Times claims to have seen internal documents revealing that some academics have strong reservations about a universal exam, as it could stop students from poorer backgrounds applying.

Barbara Sahakian, professor of experimental psychiatry, told the paper that state school students are already disadvantaged at interview due to a lack of confidence when compared to privately-educated students.

The proportion of state school students accepted by Cambridge has risen by about 10 per cent since universal entrance exams were abolished in 1986.

A university spokesman said: “The university is considering all options but has made no decisions. We already use admissions tests for some subjects and the option of introducing wider testing is part of discussions about how to adapt to [A-level reforms].

“Whatever decision is taken, all applicants will continue to be assessed holistically."