Wendy Piatt, the director general of the Russell Group of Universities says universities already look at individual circumstances.

BBC: Education & Family

"We are rather dismayed and surprised by this outburst, " said Wendy Piatt of the Russell Group of leading universities.

BBC: Universities 'fail on standards'

Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group of leading universities, also backed the calls for more work with younger age groups.

BBC: Universities told to reach out to primary school pupils